Structure, antenna, wireless communication module, and wireless communication device

ABSTRACT

The structure includes a first conductor that extends in a second direction; a second conductor, a third conductor, a fourth conductor, and a feeding line. The second conductor faces the first conductor in a first direction and extends along the second direction. The third conductor is configured to capacitively connect the first conductor and the second conductor. The fourth conductor is configured to be electrically connected to the first conductor and the second conductor and extends along a first plane. The feeding line is connected to the third conductor. The feeding line includes a first constituting part that extends along the first direction, and a second constituent part that extends along the second direction. The first constituting part is positioned on an inside of both ends of the fourth conductor in a third direction.

This application is a National Stage of PCT international applicationSer. No. PCT/JP2019/032875 filed on Aug. 22, 2019 which designates theUnited States, incorporated herein by reference, and which is based uponand claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2018-157867 filed on Aug. 24, 2018, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD Background

The present disclosure is related to a structure that resonates at apredetermined frequency, an antenna, a wireless communication module,and a wireless communication device.

The electromagnetic waves radiated from an antenna are reflected from ametallic conductor. The electromagnetic waves reflected from a metallicconductor have a phase shift of 180°. The reflected electromagneticwaves are combined with the electromagnetic waves radiated from theantenna. The electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna maydecrease in the amplitude due to the combination thereof with theelectromagnetic waves having a phase shift. That leads to a decrease inthe amplitude of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna.The distance between the antenna and the metallic conductor is set to be¼ of a wavelength λ of the radiated electromagnetic waves, so that theinfluence of the reflected waves is reduced.

On the other hand, a technique has been proposed in which the influenceof the reflected light is reduced using an artificial magneticconductor. That technique is described in, for example, Non PatentLiterature 1 and Non Patent Literature 2.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Non Patent Literature 1: Murakami et al., “Low-profile design and    band characteristics of artificial magnetic conductor using    dielectric substrate”, IEICE (B), Vol. J98-B No. 2, pp. 172-179-   Non Patent Literature 2: Murakami et al., “Optimized configuration    of reflector for dipole antenna with AMC reflection board”, IEICE    (B), Vol. J-98-B No. 11, pp. 1212-1220

SUMMARY

A structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosureincludes a first conductor that extends in a second direction, a secondconductor, a third conductor, a fourth conductor, and a feeding line.The second conductor faces the first conductor in a first direction andextends along the second direction. The third conductor is configured tocapacitively connect the first conductor and the second conductor. Thefourth conductor is configured to be electrically connected to the firstconductor and the second conductor and extends along a first plane. Thefeeding line is connected to the third conductor. The feeding lineincludes a first constituting part that extends along the firstdirection, and a second constituent part that extends along the seconddirection. The first constituting part is positioned on an inside ofboth ends of the fourth conductor in a third direction.

An antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includesthe structure described above.

A wireless communication module according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure includes the antenna described above and an RFmodule. The RF module is configured to be electrically connected to theantenna.

A wireless communication device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure includes the wireless communication module describedabove and a battery. The battery is configured to supply electric powerto the wireless communication module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a planar view of the resonator illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a unit structure of theresonator illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a planar view of the resonator illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.6.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.6.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a planar view of the resonator illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.10.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.10.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a planar view of the resonator illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.14.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.14.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.14.

FIG. 18 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.18.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a resonator according toembodiments.

FIG. 21 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view of a resonator according toembodiments.

FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view of a resonator according toembodiments.

FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional view of a resonator according toembodiments.

FIG. 23 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 29A is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 29B is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 31A is a schematic view of an exemplary resonator.

FIG. 31B is a schematic view of an exemplary resonator.

FIG. 31C is a schematic view of an exemplary resonator.

FIG. 31D is a schematic view of an exemplary resonator.

FIG. 32A is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 32B is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 32C is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 32D is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 33A is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 33B is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 33C is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 33D is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 34A is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 34B is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 34C is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 34D is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 35 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 36A is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.35.

FIG. 36B is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.35.

FIG. 37 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 40 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 41 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 42 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.42.

FIG. 44 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.44.

FIG. 46 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.46.

FIG. 48 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.48.

FIG. 50 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.50.

FIG. 52 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.52.

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of a resonator according toembodiments.

FIG. 55 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 56A is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.55.

FIG. 56B is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.55.

FIG. 57 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 58 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 59 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 60 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 61 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 62 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 63 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 64 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 65 is a planar view of an antenna according to embodiments.

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 is a planar view of an antenna according to embodiments.

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG. 67.

FIG. 69 is a planar view of an antenna according to embodiments.

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG. 69.

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna according toembodiments.

FIG. 72 is a planar view of an antenna according to embodiments.

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG. 72.

FIG. 74 is a planar view of an antenna according to embodiments.

FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG. 74.

FIG. 76 is a planar view of an antenna according to embodiments.

FIG. 77A is a cross-sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG.76.

FIG. 77B is a cross-sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG.76.

FIG. 78 is a planar view of an antenna according to embodiments.

FIG. 79 is a planar view of an antenna according to embodiments.

FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG. 79.

FIG. 81 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication moduleaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 82 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a wirelesscommunication module according to embodiments.

FIG. 83 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wireless communicationmodule according to embodiments.

FIG. 84 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wireless communicationmodule according to embodiments.

FIG. 85 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication deviceaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 86 is a planar view of a wireless communication device according toembodiments.

FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view of a wireless communication deviceaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 88 is a planar view of a wireless communication device according toembodiments.

FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view of a third antenna according toembodiments.

FIG. 90 is a planar view of a wireless communication device according toembodiments.

FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional view of a wireless communication deviceaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view of a wireless communication deviceaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 93 is a diagram illustrating a schematic circuit of a wirelesscommunication device.

FIG. 94 is a diagram illustrating a schematic circuit of a wirelesscommunication device.

FIG. 95 is a planar view of a wireless communication device according toembodiments.

FIG. 96 is a perspective view of a wireless communication deviceaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 97A is a lateral view of the wireless communication deviceillustrated in FIG. 96.

FIG. 97B is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication deviceillustrated in FIG. 97A.

FIG. 98 is a perspective view of a wireless communication deviceaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication deviceillustrated in FIG. 98.

FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a wireless communication deviceaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view of a resonator according toembodiments.

FIG. 102 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 103 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.103.

FIG. 105 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 106 is a planar view of a resonator according to embodiments.

FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.106.

FIG. 108 is a planar view of a wireless communication module accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 109 is a planar view of a wireless communication module accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication moduleillustrated in FIG. 109.

FIG. 111 is a planar view of a wireless communication module accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 112 is a planar view of a wireless communication module accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 113 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication moduleillustrated in FIG. 112.

FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of a wireless communication moduleaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of a resonator according toembodiments.

FIG. 116 is a cross-sectional view of a resonance structure according toembodiments.

FIG. 117 is a cross-sectional view of a resonance structure according toembodiments.

FIG. 118 is a perspective view of the conductor shape of a first antennaused in a simulation.

FIG. 119 is a graph corresponding to the result given in Table 1.

FIG. 120 is a graph corresponding to the result given in Table 2.

FIG. 121 is a graph corresponding to the result given in Table 3.

FIG. 122 is a perspective view for explaining a hierarchical structureof a resonator mounted on a board.

FIG. 123 is a planar view of the resonator illustrated in FIG. 122.

FIG. 124 is a cross sectional view of the resonator illustrated in FIG.122.

FIG. 125 is an enlarged view of an area AO illustrated in FIG. 124.

FIG. 126 is a perspective view of the resonator illustrated in FIG. 122.

FIG. 127 is a diagram illustrating another example of a position of afeeding line in the resonator illustrated in FIG. 122.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

According to a conventional art, a large number of resonators need to bearranged side by side.

The present disclosure relates to providing a new type of structure thatresonates at a predetermined frequency, an antenna, a wirelesscommunication module, and a wireless communication device.

According to the structure, the antenna, the wireless communicationmodule, and the wireless communication device of the present disclosure,the influence of the reflected waves are less affected by reflectedwaves from a metallic conductor.

Given below is the explanation of embodiments of the present disclosure.Regarding the constituent elements illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 127, theconstituent elements corresponding to already-illustrated constituentelements are referred to with common reference numerals, along withprefixes indicating the respective drawing numbers. A resonancestructure can include a resonator.

Alternatively, a resonance structure includes a resonator and othermembers, and can be implemented in a composite manner. In the followingexplanation given with reference to FIGS. 1 to 64, when constituentelements need not be particularly distinguished, the constituentelements will be referred to by the common reference numeral. Aresonator 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 64 includes a base 20, pairconductors 30, third conductors 40, and a fourth conductor 50. The base20 is in contact with the pair conductors 30, the third conductors 40,and the fourth conductor 50. The resonator 10 is configured such thatthe pair conductors 30, the third conductors 40, and the fourthconductor 50 function as a resonator. The resonator 10 is capable ofresonating at a plurality of resonance frequencies. One of the resonancefrequencies of the resonator 10 is assumed to be a first frequency f₁.The first frequency f₁ has a wavelength λ₁. In the resonator 10, atleast one of the resonance frequencies can be treated as the operatingfrequency. In the resonator 10, the first frequency f₁ is treated as theoperating frequency.

The base 20 can contain either a ceramic material or a resin material asa composition. A ceramic material includes an aluminum oxide sinteredcompact, an aluminum nitride sintered compact, a mullite sinteredcompact, a glass ceramic sintered compact, a crystalized glass formed bydepositing a crystalline component in a glass matrix, and amicrocrystalline sintered compact such as mica or aluminum titanate. Aresin material includes a material obtained by curing an uncuredmaterial such as an epoxy resin, a polyester resin, a polyimide resin, apolyamide-imide resin, a polyetherimide resin, and a liquid crystalpolymer.

The pair conductors 30, the third conductors 40, and the fourthconductor 50 can includes, as a composite, any of a metallic material, ametallic alloy, a hardened material of metallic paste, and a conductivepolymer. The pair conductors 30, the third conductors 40, and the fourthconductor 50 can all be made of the same material. The pair conductors30, the third conductors 40, and the fourth conductor 50 can all be madeof different materials. Any combination of the pair conductors 30, thethird conductors 40, and the fourth conductor 50 can be made of the samematerial. The metallic material includes copper, silver, palladium,gold, platinum, aluminum, chromium, nickel, cadmium-lead, selenium,manganese, tin, vanadium, lithium, cobalt, titanium, and the like. Analloy includes a plurality of metallic materials. The metallic pasteincludes a paste formed by kneading the powder of a metallic materialalong with an organic solvent and a binder. The binder includes an epoxyresin, a polyester resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide-imide resin,and a polyetherimide resin. The conductive polymer includes apolythiophene polymer, a polyacetylene polymer, a polyaniline polymer,polypyrrole polymer, and the like.

The resonator 10 includes two pair conductors 30. The pair conductors 30include a plurality of conductors. The pair conductors 30 include afirst conductor 31 and a second conductor 32. The pair conductors 30 caninclude three or more conductors. Each conductor of the pair conductors30 is separated from the other conductor in a first direction. In theconductors of the pair conductors 30, one conductor can be paired withanother conductor. Each conductor of the pair conductors 30 can be seenas an electrical conductor from the resonator present between the pairedconductors. The first conductor 31 is located away from the secondconductor 32 in the first direction. The conductors 31 and 32 extendalong a second plane that intersects with the first direction.

In the present disclosure, the first direction (first axis) isrepresented as an x direction. In the present disclosure, a thirddirection (third axis) is represented as a y direction. In the presentdisclosure, a second direction (second axis) is represented as a zdirection. In the present disclosure, a first plane is represented as anx-y plane. In the present disclosure, the second plane is represented asa y-z plane. In the present disclosure, a third plane is represented asa z-x plane. These planes are planes in a coordinate space, and do notrepresent a specific plate or a specific surface. In the presentdisclosure, a area in the x-y plane may be referred to as a first area.In the present disclosure, the area in the y-z plane may be referred toas a second area. In the present disclosure, the area in the z-x planemay be referred to as a third area. The area can be measured in the unitof square meters or the like. In the present disclosure, a length in thex direction may be simply referred to as the “length”. In the presentdisclosure, the length in the y direction may be simply referred to asthe “width”. In the present disclosure, a length in the z direction maybe simply referred to as a “height”.

In an example, the conductors 31 and 32 are positioned at respectiveends of the base 20 in the x direction. A part of each of the conductors31 and 32 can face the outside of the base 20. A part of each of theconductors 31 and 32 can be present inside the base 20, and another partthereof can be present outside the base 20. Each of the conductors 31and 32 can be present within the base 20.

The third conductor 40 is configured to function as a resonator. Thethird conductor 40 can include a resonator of at least either the linetype, or the patch type, or the slot type. In an example, the thirdconductor 40 is positioned on the base 20. In an example, the thirdconductor 40 is positioned at an end of the base 20 in the z direction.In an example, the third conductor 40 can be present within the base 20.A part of the third conductor 40 can be present inside the base 20, andanother part can be present outside the base 20. A part of the surfaceof the third conductor 40 can face the outside of the base 20.

The third conductor 40 includes at least one conductor. The thirdconductor 40 can include a plurality of conductors. When the thirdconductor 40 includes a plurality of conductors, the third conductor 40can be referred to as a third conductor group. The third conductor 40includes at least one conductive layer. The third conductor 40 includesat least one conductor in one conductive layer. The third conductor 40can include a plurality of conductive layers. For example, the thirdconductor 40 can include three or more conductive layers. The thirdconductor 40 includes at least one conductor in each of the plurality ofconductive layers. The third conductor 40 extends along the x-y plane.The x-y plane includes the x direction. Each conductive layer of thethird conductor 40 extends along the x-y plane.

In an example according to embodiments, third conductor 40 includes afirst conductive layer 41 and a second conductive layer 42. The firstconductive layer 41 expands along the x-y plane. The first conductivelayer 41 can be present on the base 20. The second conductive layer 42expands along the x-y plane. The second conductive layer 42 can beconfigured to be capacitively coupled with the first conductive layer41. The second conductive layer 42 can be configured to be electricallyconnected to the first conductive layer 41. The two capacitively-coupledconductive layers can face each other in the y direction. Twocapacitively-coupled conductive layers can face each other in the xdirection. The two capacitively-coupled conductive layers can face eachother on the first plane. The two conductive layers facing each other onthe first plane can be rephrased as two conductors being present in oneconductive layer. The second conductive layer 42 can be positioned sothat at least a part thereof overlaps the first conductive layer 41 inthe z direction. The second conductive layer 42 can be present withinthe base 20.

The fourth conductor 50 is positioned away from the third conductors 40.The fourth conductor 50 is configured to be electrically connected tothe conductors 31 and 32 of the pair conductors 30. The fourth conductor50 is configured to be electrically connected to the first conductor 31and the second conductor 32. The fourth conductor 50 extends along thethird conductors 40. The fourth conductor 50 extends along the firstplane. The fourth conductor 50 spans from the first conductor 31 to thesecond conductor 32. The fourth conductor 50 is positioned on the base20. The fourth conductor 50 can be present in the base 20. A part of thefourth conductor 50 can be present inside the base 20, and another partthereof can be present outside the base 20. A part of the surface of thefourth conductor 50 can face the outside of the base 20.

In an example according to embodiments, the fourth conductor 50 can beconfigured to function as a ground conductor in the resonator 10. Thefourth conductor 50 can serve as a reference point of potential of theresonator 10. The fourth conductor 50 can be connected to the ground ofa device that includes the resonator 10.

In an example according to embodiments, the resonator 10 can include thefourth conductor 50 and a reference potential layer 51. The referencepotential layer 51 is positioned away from the fourth conductor 50 inthe z direction. The reference potential layer 51 is electricallyinsulated from the fourth conductor 50. The reference potential layer 51can serve as a reference point of potential of the resonator 10. Thereference potential layer 51 can be configured to be electricallyconnected to the ground of the device that includes the resonator 10.The fourth conductor 50 can be electrically separated from the ground ofthe device that includes the resonator 10. The reference potential layer51 faces either the third conductors 40 or the fourth conductor 50 inthe z direction.

In an example according to embodiments, the reference potential layer 51faces the third conductors 40 via the fourth conductor 50. The fourthconductor 50 is positioned between the third conductors 40 and thereference potential layer 51. The spacing between the referencepotential layer 51 and the fourth conductor 50 is shorter than thespacing between the third conductors 40 and the fourth conductor 50.

In the resonator 10 that includes the reference potential layer 51, thefourth conductor 50 can include one or more conductors. In the resonator10 that includes the reference potential layer 51, the fourth conductor50 can include one or more conductors, and the third conductor 40 canserve as one conductor connected to the pair conductors 30. In theresonator 10 that includes the reference potential layer 51, each of thethird conductor 40 and the fourth conductor 50 can include at least oneresonator.

In the resonator 10 that includes the reference potential layer 51, thefourth conductor 50 can include a plurality of conductive layers. Forexample, the fourth conductor 50 can include a third conductive layer 52and a fourth conductive layer 53. The third conductive layer 52 can beconfigured to be capacitively coupled with the fourth conductive layer53. The third conductive layer 52 can be configured to be electricallyconnected to the first conductive layer 41. The two capacitively-coupledconductive layers can face each other in the y direction. The twocapacitively-coupled conductive layers can face each other in the xdirection. The two capacitively-coupled conductive layers can bepositioned to be mutually opposite within the x-y plane.

The distance between the two capacitively-coupled conductive layersfacing each other in the z direction is shorter than the distancebetween the concerned conductor group and the reference potential layer51. For example, the distance between the first conductive layer 41 andthe second conductive layer 42 is shorter than the distance between thethird conductor 40 and the reference potential layer 51. For example,the distance between the third conductive layer 52 and the fourthconductive layer 53 is shorter than the distance between the fourthconductor 50 and the reference potential layer 51.

Each of the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 can includeone or more conductors. Each of the first conductor 31 and the secondconductor 32 can serve as one conductor. Each of the first conductor 31and the second conductor 32 can include a plurality of conductors. Eachof the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 can include atleast one fifth conductive layer 301 and a plurality of fifth conductors302. The pair conductors 30 include at least one fifth conductive layer301 and a plurality of fifth conductors 302.

The fifth conductive layer 301 extends along the y direction. The fifthconductive layer 301 extends in the x-y plane. The fifth conductivelayer 301 represents a layered conductor. The fifth conductive layer 301can be positioned on the base 20. The fifth conductive layer 301 can bepositioned within the base 20. The plurality of fifth conductive layers301 are separated from each other in the z direction. The plurality offifth conductive layers 301 are arranged in the z direction. Theplurality of fifth conductive layers 301 partially overlap with eachother in the z direction. The fifth conductive layers 301 are configuredto electrically connect a plurality of fifth conductors 302. The fifthconductive layers 301 serve as connecting conductors for connecting aplurality of fifth conductors 302. The fifth conductive layers 301 canbe configured to be electrically connected to any conductive layer ofthe third conductors 40. According to one embodiment, the fifthconductive layers 301 are configured to be electrically connected to thesecond conductive layer 42. The fifth conductive layers 301 can beintegrated with the second conductive layer 42. According to oneembodiment, the fifth conductive layers 301 can be configured to beelectrically connected to the fourth conductor 50. The fifth conductivelayers 301 can be integrated with the fourth conductor 50.

Each of the fifth conductors 302 extends in the z direction. Theplurality of fifth conductors 302 are separated from each other in the ydirection. The distance between two fifth conductors 302 is equal to orless than ½ of the wavelength λ₁. When the distance between the twofifth conductors 302 configured to be electrically connected is equal toor less than ½ of the wavelength λ₁, each of the first conductor 31 andthe second conductor 32 enables achieving reduction in the leakage ofthe electromagnetic waves in a resonance frequency band from the gapsamong the fifth conductors 302. Since leakage of the electromagneticwaves in the resonance frequency band, the pair conductors 30 are seenas electric conductors from a unit structure. At least some of theplurality of fifth conductors 302 are configured to be electricallyconnected to the fourth conductor 50. According to one embodiment, someof the plurality of fifth conductors 302 can be configured toelectrically connect the fourth conductor 50 to the fifth conductivelayer 301. According to one embodiment, the plurality of fifthconductors 302 can be configured to be electrically connected to thefourth conductor 50 via the fifth conductive layers 301. Some of theplurality of fifth conductors 302 can be configured to electricallyconnect one fifth conductive layer 301 to another fifth conductive layer301. As the fifth conductors 302, it is possible to use via conductorsand through-hole conductors.

The resonator 10 includes the third conductor 40 that is configured tofunction as a resonator. The third conductor 40 can be configured tofunction as an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). An artificialmagnetic conductor can also be called a reactive impedance surface(RIS).

The resonator 10 includes the third conductor 40, which is configured tofunction as a resonator, between two pair conductors 30 facing eachother in the x direction. The two pair conductors 30 can be seen aselectric conductors extending in the y-z plane from the third conductors40. The resonator 10 is electrically opened at both ends in the ydirection. The resonator 10 has high impedance in the z-x planes at bothends in the y direction. From the third conductors 40, the z-x planes atboth ends of the resonator 10 in the y direction can be seen as magneticconductors. In the resonator 10. Since the resonator 10 is surrounded bytwo electric conductors and two high-impedance surfaces (magneticconductors), the resonators of the third conductors 40 have theartificial magnetic conductor character in the z direction. As a resultof being surrounded by two electric conductors and two high-impedancesurfaces, the resonators of the third conductors 40 have the artificialmagnetic conductor character in finite number.

The “artificial magnetic conductor character” implies that there is aphase difference of 0 degrees between incident waves and reflected wavesat the operating frequency. In the resonator 10, there is a phasedifference of 0 degrees between the incident waves and the reflectedwaves at a first frequency f₁. Regarding the “artificial magneticconductor character”, in an operating frequency band, there is a phasedifference in the range of −90 degrees to +90 degrees between theincident waves and the reflected waves. The operating frequency band isa frequency band between a second frequency f₂ and a third frequency f₃.The second frequency f₂ is a frequency at which there is a phasedifference of +90 degrees between the incident waves and the reflectedwaves. The third frequency f₃ is a frequency at which there is a phasedifference of −90 degrees between the incident waves and the reflectedwaves. The width of the operating frequency band as decided based on thesecond frequency and the third frequency can be, for example, 100 MHz ormore when the operating frequency is approximately 2.5 GHz. The width ofthe operating frequency band can be, for example, 5 MHz. or more whenthe operating frequency is approximately 400 MHz.

The operating frequency of the resonator 10 can be different from theresonance frequency of each resonator of the third conductors 40. Theoperating frequency of the resonator 10 can vary depending on thelength, the size, the shape, and the material of the base 20, the pairconductors 30, the third conductors 40, and the fourth conductor 50.

In an example according to embodiments, the third conductor 40 caninclude at least one unit resonator 40X. The third conductor 40 caninclude one unit resonator 40X. The third conductor 40 can include aplurality of unit resonators 40X. The unit resonator 40X is positionedin an overlapping manner with the fourth conductor 50 in the zdirection. The unit resonator 40X faces the fourth conductor 50. Theunit resonator 40X can be configured to function as a frequencyselective surface (FSS). The plurality of unit resonators 40X arearranged along the x-y plane. The plurality of unit resonators 40X canbe regularly arranged in the x-y plane. The unit resonators 40X can bearranged in a form of a square grid, an oblique grid, a rectangulargrid, or a hexagonal grid.

The third conductor 40 can include a plurality of conductive layersarranged in the z direction. Each of the plurality of conductive layersof the third conductor 40 includes at least one unit resonator. Forexample, the third conductor 40 includes the first conductive layer 41and the second conductive layer 42.

The first conductive layer 41 includes at least one first unit resonator41X. The first conductive layer 41 can include one first unit resonator41X. The first conductive layer 41 can include a plurality of firstdivisional resonators 41Y formed by dividing one first unit resonator41X. The plurality of first divisional resonators 41Y can constitute atleast one first unit resonator 41X with adjacent unit structures 10X.The plurality of first divisional resonators 41Y are positioned at theend portions of the first conductive layer 41. The first unit resonator41X and the first divisional resonator 41Y can be called a thirdconductor.

The second conductive layer 42 includes at least one second unitresonator 42X. Thus, the second conductive layer 42 can include onesecond unit resonator 42X. The second conductive layer 42 can include aplurality of second divisional resonators 42Y formed by dividing onesecond unit resonator 42X. The plurality of second divisional resonators42Y can constitute at least one second unit resonator 42X with adjacentunit structures 10X. The plurality of second divisional resonators 42Yare positioned at the end portions of the second conductive layer 42.The second unit resonator 42X and the second divisional resonator 42Ycan be called a third conductor.

The second unit resonator 42X and the second divisional resonators 42Yare positioned so as to at least partially overlap the first unitresonator 41X and the first divisional resonators 41Y in the zdirection. In third conductor 40, the unit resonator and the divisionalresonators in each layer at least partially overlap in the z directionto constitute one unit resonator 40X. The unit resonator 40X includes atleast one unit resonator in each layer.

When the first unit resonator 41X includes a resonator of the line typeor the patch type, the first conductive layer 41 includes at least onefirst unit conductor 411. The first unit conductor 411 can be configuredto function as the first unit resonator 41X or the first divisionalresonator 41Y. The first conductive layer 41 includes a plurality offirst unit conductors 411 arranged in “n” number of rows and “m” numberof columns in the x and y directions. Herein, “n” and “m” are mutuallyindependent natural numbers of 1 or greater. In an example illustratedin FIGS. 1 to 9 and the like, the first conductive layer 41 includes sixfirst unit conductors 411 arranged in form of a grid of two rows andthree columns. The first unit conductors 411 can be arranged in a formof a square grid, an oblique grid, a rectangular grid, or a hexagonalgrid. The first unit conductors 411 that are equivalent to the firstdivisional resonators 41Y are positioned at the end portions in the x-yplane of the first conductive layer 41.

When the first unit resonator 41X is a resonator of the slot type, atleast one conductive layer of the first conductive layer 41 extends inthe x and y directions. The first conductive layer 41 includes at leastone first unit slot 412. The first unit slot 412 can be configured tofunction as the first unit resonator 41X or the first divisionalresonator 41Y. The first conductive layer 41 can include a plurality offirst unit slots 412 arranged in “n” number of rows and “m” number ofcolumns in the x and y directions. Herein, “n” and “m” are mutuallyindependent natural numbers of 1 or greater. In an example illustratedin FIGS. 6 to 9 and the like, the first conductive layer 41 includes sixfirst unit slots 412 arranged in a gird of two rows and three columns.The first unit slots 412 can be arranged in a square grid, an obliquegrid, a rectangular grid, or a hexagonal grid. The first unit slots 412that are equivalent to the first divisional resonators 41Y arepositioned at the end portions in the x-y plane of the first conductivelayer 41.

When the second unit resonator 42X includes a resonator of the line typeor the patch type, the second conductive layer 42 includes at least onesecond unit conductor 421. The second conductive layer 42 can include aplurality of second unit conductors 421 arranged in the x and ydirections. The second unit conductors 421 can be arranged in a form ofa square grid, an oblique grid, a rectangular grid, or a hexagonal grid.The second unit conductor 421 can be configured to function as thesecond unit resonator 42X or the second divisional resonator 42Y. Thesecond unit conductors 421 that are equivalent to the second divisionalresonators 42Y are positioned at the end portions in the x-y plane ofthe second conductive layer 42.

The second unit conductor 421 at least partially overlaps with at leastone of the first unit resonator 41X and the first divisional resonator41Y in the z direction. The second unit conductor 421 can overlap with aplurality of first unit resonators 41X. The second unit conductor 421can overlap with a plurality of first divisional resonators 41Y. Thesecond unit conductor 421 can overlap with one first unit resonator 41Xand four first divisional resonators 41Y. The second unit conductor 421can overlap with only one first unit resonator 41X. The center ofgravity of the second unit conductor 421 can overlap with one first unitresonator 41X. The center of gravity of the second unit conductor 421can be positioned between a plurality of first unit resonators 41X andthe first divisional resonators 41Y. The center of gravity of the secondunit conductor 421 can be positioned between two first unit resonators41X arranged in the x direction or the y direction.

The second unit conductor 421 can at least partially overlap with twofirst unit conductors 411. The second unit conductor 421 can overlapwith only one first unit conductor 411. The center of gravity of thesecond unit conductor 421 can be positioned between two first unitconductors 411. The center of gravity of the second unit conductor 421can overlap with one first unit conductor 411. The second unit conductor421 can at least partially overlap with the first unit slot 412. Thesecond unit conductor 421 can overlap with only one first unit slot 412.The center of gravity of the second unit conductor 421 can be positionedbetween two first unit slots 412 arranged in the x direction or the ydirection. The center of gravity of the second unit conductor 421 canoverlap with one first unit slot 412.

When the second unit resonator 42X is a resonator of the slot type, atleast one conductive layer of the second conductive layer 42 extendsalong the x-y plane. The second conductive layer 42 includes at leastone second unit slot 422. The second unit slot 422 can be configured tofunction as the second unit resonator 42X or the second divisionalresonator 42Y. The second conductive layer 42 can include a plurality ofsecond unit slots 422 arranged in the x-y plane. The second unit slots422 can be arranged in form of a square grid, an oblique grid, arectangular grid, or a hexagonal grid. The second unit slots 422 thatare equivalent to the second divisional resonators 42Y are positioned atthe end portions in the x-y plane of the second conductive layer 42.

The second unit slot 422 at least partially overlaps with at least oneof the first unit resonator 41X and the first divisional resonators 41Yin the y direction. The second unit slot 422 can overlap with aplurality of first unit resonators 41X. The second unit slot 422 canoverlap with a plurality of first divisional resonators 41Y. The secondunit slot 422 can overlap with one first unit resonator 41X and fourfirst divisional resonators 41Y. The second unit slot 422 can overlapwith only one first unit resonator 41X. The center of gravity of thesecond unit slot 422 can overlap with one first unit resonator 41X. Thecenter of gravity of the second unit slot 422 can be positioned betweena plurality of first unit resonators 41X. The center of gravity of thesecond unit slot 422 can be positioned between two first unit resonators41X and the first divisional resonators 41Y arranged in the x directionor the y direction.

The second unit slot 422 can at least partially overlap with two firstunit conductors 411. The second unit slot 422 can overlap with only onefirst unit conductor 411. The center of gravity of the second unit slot422 can be positioned between two first unit conductors 411. The centerof gravity of the second unit slot 422 can overlap with one first unitconductor 411. The second unit slot 422 can at least partially overlapwith the first unit slot 412. The second unit slot 422 can overlap withonly one first unit slot 412. The center of gravity of the second unitslot 422 can be positioned between two first unit slots 412 in the xdirection or the y direction. The center of gravity of the second unitslot 422 can overlap with one first unit slot 412.

The unit resonator 40X includes at least one first unit resonator 41Xand at least one second unit resonator 42X. The unit resonator 40X caninclude one first unit resonator 41X. The unit resonator 40X can includea plurality of first unit resonators 41X. The unit resonator 40X caninclude one first divisional resonator 41Y. The unit resonator 40X caninclude a plurality of first divisional resonators 41Y. The unitresonator 40X can include a part of the first unit resonator 41X. Theunit resonator 40X can include one or more partial first unit resonators41X. The unit resonator 40X includes a plurality of partial resonatorsfrom among one or more partial first unit resonators 41X and one or morefirst divisional resonators 41Y. The partial resonators included in theunit resonator 40X are fit in at least one first unit resonator 41X. Theunit resonator 40X can include a plurality of first divisionalresonators 41Y without including the first unit resonator 41X. The unitresonator 40X can include, for example, four first divisional resonators41Y. The unit resonator 40X can include only a plurality of partialfirst unit resonators 41X. The unit resonator 40X can include one ormore partial first unit resonators 41X and one or more first divisionalresonators 41Y. The unit resonator 40X can include, for example, twopartial first unit resonators 41X and two first divisional resonators41Y. In the unit resonator 40X, the first conductive layers 41 includedtherein at both ends in the x direction can have a substantiallyidentical mirror image. In the unit resonator 40X, the first conductivelayers 41 included therein can be substantially symmetrical with respectto a center line extending in the z direction.

The unit resonator 40X can include one second unit resonator 42X. Theunit resonator 40X can include a plurality of second unit resonators42X. The unit resonator 40X can include one second divisional resonator42Y. The unit resonator 40X can include a plurality of second divisionalresonators 42Y. The unit resonator 40X can include a part of the secondunit resonator 42X. The unit resonator 40X can include one or morepartial second unit resonators 42X. The unit resonator 40X includes aplurality of partial resonators from one or more partial second unitresonators 42X and one or more second divisional resonators 42Y. Thepartial resonators included in the unit resonator 40X are fit in atleast one second unit resonator 42X. The unit resonator 40X can includea plurality of second divisional resonators 42Y without including thesecond unit resonator 42X. The unit resonator 40X can include, forexample, four second divisional resonators 42Y. The unit resonator 40Xcan include only a plurality of partial second unit resonators 42X. Theunit resonator 40X can include one or more partial second unitresonators 42X and one or more second divisional resonators 42Y. Theunit resonator 40X can include, for example, two partial second unitresonators 42X and two second divisional resonators 42Y. In the unitresonator 40X, the second conductive layers 42 included therein at bothends in the x direction can have a substantially identical mirror image.In the unit resonator 40X, the second conductive layers 42 includedtherein can be substantially symmetrical with respect to a center lineextending in the y direction.

In an example according to embodiments, the unit resonator 40X includesone first unit resonator 41X and a plurality of partial second unitresonators 42X. For example, the unit resonator 40X includes one firstunit resonator 41X and half of four second unit resonators 42X. Thus,the unit resonator 40X includes one first unit resonator 41X and twosecond unit resonators 42X. However, the configuration of the unitresonator 40X is not limited to that example.

The resonator 10 can include at least one unit structure 10X. Thus, theresonator 10 can include a plurality of unit structures 10X. Theplurality of unit structures 10X can be arranged in the x-y plane. Theplurality of unit structures 10X can be arranged in form of a squaregrid, an oblique grid, a rectangular grid, or a hexagonal grid. The unitstructures 10X include any of repeated units of a square grid, anoblique grid, a rectangular grid, and a hexagonal grid. The unitstructures 10X arranged infinitely along the x-y plane can be configuredto function as an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC).

The unit structure 10X can include at least a part of the base 20, atleast a part of the third conductor 40, and at least a part of thefourth conductor 50. The parts of the base 20, the third conductor 40,and the fourth conductor 50 that are included in the unit structure 10Xoverlap in the z direction. The unit structure 10X includes the unitresonator 40X, a part of the base 20 that overlaps with the unitresonator 40X in the z direction, and the fourth conductor 50 thatoverlaps with the unit resonator 40X in the z direction. For example,the resonator 10 can include six unit structures 10X in two rows andthree columns.

The resonator 10 can include at least one unit structure 10X between twopair conductors 30 facing each other in the x direction. From the unitstructure 10X, the two pair conductors 30 are seen as electricconductors extending in the y-z plane. The unit structure 10Xelectrically open at the ends in the y direction. The unit structure 10Xhas high impedance in the z-x planes at both ends in the y direction.From the unit structure 10X, the z-x planes at both ends in the ydirection are seen as magnetic conductors. The unit structures 10X canbe arranged in a repeated manner so as to be axisymmetric with respectto the z direction. The unit structure 10X surrounded by two electricconductors and two high-impedance surfaces (magnetic conductors) has anartificial magnetic conductor character in the z direction. The unitstructure 10X surrounded by two electric conductors and twohigh-impedance surfaces (magnetic conductors) has a finite number ofartificial magnetic conductor characters.

The operating frequency of the resonator 10 can be different from theoperating frequency of the first unit resonator 41X. The operatingfrequency of the resonator 10 can be different from the operatingfrequency of the second unit resonator 42X. The operating frequency ofthe resonator 10 can vary depending on the coupling of the first unitresonator 41X and the second unit resonator 42X constituting the unitresonator 40X.

The third conductor 40 can include the first conductive layer 41 and thesecond conductive layer 42. The first conductive layer 41 includes atleast one first unit conductor 411. The first unit conductor 411includes a first connecting conductor 413 and a first floating conductor414. The first connecting conductor 413 is connected to any one of thepair conductors 30. The first floating conductor 414 is not connected tothe pair conductors 30. The second conductive layer 42 includes at leastone second unit conductor 421. The second unit conductor 421 includes asecond connecting conductor 423 and a second floating conductor 424. Thesecond connecting conductor 423 is connected to any of the pairconductors 30. The second floating conductor 424 is not connected to thepair conductors 30. The third conductor 40 can include the first unitconductor 411 and the second unit conductor 421.

The length of the first connecting conductor 413 along the x directioncan be greater than the length of the first floating conductor 414. Thelength of the first connecting conductor 413 along the x direction canbe smaller than the length of the first floating conductor 414. Thefirst connecting conductor 413 can have half of the length of the firstfloating conductor 414 along the x direction. The length of the secondconnecting conductor 423 along the x direction can be greater than thelength of the second floating conductor 424. The length of the secondconnecting conductor 423 along the x direction can be smaller than thelength of the second floating conductor 424. The second connectingconductor 423 can have half of the length along the x direction ascompared to the length of the second floating conductor 424.

The third conductor 40 can include a current path 40I that, when theresonator 10 is resonating, serves as a current path between the firstconductor 31 and the second conductor 32. The current path 40I can beconnected to the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32. Thecurrent path 40I has capacitance between the first conductor 31 and thesecond conductor 32. The capacitance of the current path 40I iselectrically connected in series between the first conductor 31 and thesecond conductor 32. In the current path 40I, conductors are separatedbetween the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32. The currentpath 40I can include a conductor connected to the first conductor 31 anda conductor connected to the second conductor 32.

According to embodiments, in the current path 40I, the first unitconductor 411 and the second unit conductor 421 partially face eachother in the z direction. In the current path 40I, the first unitconductor 411 and the second unit conductor 421 are capacitivelycoupled. The first unit conductor 411 includes a capacitance componentat an end portion in the x direction. The first unit conductor 411 caninclude a capacitance component at an end portion in the y directionthat faces the second unit conductor 421 in the z direction. The firstunit conductor 411 can include capacitance components at an end portionin the x direction that faces the second unit conductor 421 in the zdirection and at an end portion in the y direction. The second unitconductor 421 includes a capacitance component at an end portion in thex direction. The second unit conductor 421 can include a capacitancecomponent at an end portion in the y direction that faces the first unitconductor 411 in the z direction. The second unit conductor 421 caninclude capacitance components at an end portion in the x direction thatfaces the first unit conductor 411 in the z direction and at an endportion in the y direction.

In the resonator 10, a resonance frequency can be lowered by increasingthe capacitive coupling in the current path 40I. In achieving a desiredoperating frequency, in the resonator 10, the capacitive coupling in thecurrent path 40I can be increased so as to shorten its length along ofthe x direction. The third conductor 40 is configured in such a way thatthe first unit conductor 411 and the second unit conductor 421 face eachother in a stacking direction of the base 20 and are capacitivelycoupled. In the third conductor 40, the capacitance between the firstunit conductor 411 and the second unit conductor 421 can be adjusted bythe area of a portion where the first unit conductor 411 and the secondunit conductor 421 face each other.

According to embodiments, the length of the first unit conductor 411 inthe y direction is different from the length of the second unitconductor 421 in the y direction. In the resonator 10, when a relativeposition of the first unit conductor 411 and the second unit conductor421 shifts along the x-y plane from the ideal position, since the firstunit conductor 411 and the second unit conductor 421 have differentlengths along a third direction, the variation in the magnitude of thecapacitance can be reduced.

According to embodiments, the current path 40I is made of one conductor,which is spatially separated from the first conductor 31 and the secondconductor 32 and is configured to be capacitively coupled with the firstconductor 31 and the second conductor 32.

According to embodiments, the current path 40I includes the firstconductive layer 41 and the second conductive layer 42. The current path40I includes at least one first unit conductor 411 and at least onesecond unit conductor 421. The current path 40I includes either twofirst connecting conductors 413, or two second connecting conductors423, or one first connecting conductor 413 and one second connectingconductor 423. In the current path 40I, the first unit conductors 411and the second unit conductors 421 can be alternately arranged along afirst direction.

According to embodiments, the current path 40I includes the firstconnecting conductor 413 and the second connecting conductor 423. Thecurrent path 40I includes at least one first connecting conductor 413and at least one second connecting conductor 423. In the current path40I, the third conductor 40 has capacitance between the first connectingconductor 413 and the second connecting conductor 423. In an exampleaccording to embodiments, the first connecting conductor 413 can facethe second connecting connector 423 to have capacitance. In an exampleaccording to embodiments, the first connecting conductor 413 can beconfigured to be capacitively connected to the second connectingconductor 423 via another conductor.

According to embodiments, the current path 40I includes the firstconnecting conductor 413 and the second floating conductor 424. Thecurrent path 40I includes two first connecting conductors 413. In thecurrent path 40I, the third conductor 40 has capacitance between the twofirst connecting conductors 413. In an example according to embodiments,the two first connecting conductors 413 can be configured to becapacitively connected via at least one second floating conductor 424.In an example according to embodiments, the two first connectingconductors 413 can be configured to be capacitively connected via atleast one first floating conductor 414 and a plurality of secondfloating conductors 424.

According to embodiments, the current path 40I includes the firstfloating conductor 414 and the second connecting conductor 423. Thecurrent path 40I includes two second connecting conductors 423. In thecurrent path 40I, the third conductor 40 has capacitance between twosecond connecting conductors 423. In an example according toembodiments, the two second connecting conductors 423 can be configuredto be capacitively connected via at least one first floating conductor414. In an example according to embodiments, the two second connectingconductors 423 can be configured to be capacitively connected via aplurality of first floating conductors 414 and at least one secondfloating conductor 424.

According to embodiments, each of the first connecting conductor 413 andthe second connecting conductor 423 can have a length equal toone-fourth of the wavelength λ at a resonance frequency. Each of thefirst connecting conductor 413 and the second connecting conductor 423can be configured to function as a resonator having half of the lengthof the wavelength λ. Each of the first connecting conductor 413 and thesecond connecting conductor 423 can oscillate in an odd mode or an evenmode due to capacitive coupling of the respective resonators. Theresonator 10 can have a resonance frequency in the even mode aftercapacitive coupling as the operating frequency.

The current path 40I can be connected to the first conductor 31 at aplurality of points. The current path 40I can be connected to the secondconductor 32 at a plurality of points. The current path 40I can includea plurality of conductive paths that independently transmit electricityfrom the first conductor 31 to the second conductor 32.

In the second floating conductor 424 that is capacitively coupled withthe first connecting conductor 413, the end of the second floatingconductor 424 on the side of the capacitive coupling has a shorterdistance to the first connecting conductor 413 than the distance to thepair conductors 30. In the first floating conductor 414 that iscapacitively coupled with the second connecting conductor 423, the endof the first floating conductor 414 on the side of the capacitivecoupling has a shorter distance to the second connecting conductor 423than the distance to the pair conductors 30.

In the resonator 10 according to a plurality of embodiments, theconductive layers of the third conductor 40 can have mutually differentlengths in the y direction. The conductive layer of the third conductor40 is configured to be capacitively coupled with another conductivelayer in the z direction. In the resonator 10, when the conductivelayers have mutually different lengths in the y direction, even if theconductive layers shift in the y direction, change in the capacitance issmall. In the resonator 10, since the conductive layers have mutuallydifferent lengths in the y direction, it becomes possible to widen anacceptable range of shifting of the conductive layers in the ydirection.

In the resonator 10 according to embodiments, the third conductor 40 hascapacitance attributed to capacitive coupling between the conductivelayers. A plurality of capacitance portions having the capacitance canbe arranged in the y direction. The plurality of capacitance portionsarranged in the y direction can have an electromagnetically parallelrelationship. The resonator 10 has a plurality of capacitance portionsthat are electrically arranged in parallel, so that the individualcapacitance errors can be mutually complemented.

When the resonator 10 is in the resonating state, electric current flowsthrough the pair conductors 30, the third conductors 40, and the fourthconductor 50 in a loop. When the resonator 10 is in the resonatingstate, an alternating current is flowing in the resonator 10. In theresonator 10, electric current flowing through the third conductors 40is assumed to be a first current, and the electric current flowing tothe fourth conductor 50 is assumed to be a second current. When theresonator 10 is in the resonating state, the first current and thesecond current flow in different directions along the x direction. Forexample, when the first current flows in the +x direction, the secondcurrent flows in the −x direction. For example, when the first currentflows in the −x direction, the second current flows in the +x direction.That is, when the resonator 10 is in the resonating state, the loopelectric current alternately flows in the +x direction and the −xdirection. The resonator 10 is configured in such a way thatelectromagnetic waves are radiated as a result of repeated inversion ofthe loop electric current that creates the magnetic field.

According to embodiments, the third conductor 40 includes the firstconductive layer 41 and the second conductive layer 42. In the thirdconductor 40, the first conductive layer 41 and the second conductivelayer 42 are capacitively coupled. Hence, in the resonating state, theelectric current is globally seen to be flowing in only one direction.According to embodiments, electric current flowing through eachconductor has a higher density at the end portions in the y direction.

The resonator 10 is configured in such a way that the first current andthe second current flow in a loop via the pair conductors 30. In theresonator 10; the first conductor 31, the second conductor 32, the thirdconductors 40, and the fourth conductor 50 serve as the resonancecircuit. The resonance frequency of the resonator 10 represents theresonance frequency of the unit resonators. When the resonator 10includes one unit resonator or when the resonator 10 includes a part ofa unit resonator, the resonance frequency of the resonator 10 variesdepending on the base 20, the pair conductors 30, the third conductors40, and the fourth conductor 50 as well as the electromagnetic couplingbetween the resonator 10 and the surroundings. For example, when thethird conductors 40 have poor periodicity, the entire resonator 10serves as one unit resonator or serves as a part of one unit resonator.For example, the resonance frequency of the resonator 10 variesdepending on the lengths of the first conductor 31 and the secondconductor 32 in the z direction, the lengths of the third conductors 40and the fourth conductor 50 in the x direction, and the capacitance ofthe third conductors 40 and the fourth conductor 50. For example, theresonator 10 has a large capacitance between the first unit conductor411 and the second unit conductor 421, the resonance frequency can belowered while shortening the lengths of the first conductor 31 and thesecond conductor 32 in the z direction and shortening the lengths of thethird conductors 40 and the fourth conductor 50 in the x direction.

According to embodiments, in the resonator 10, the first conductivelayer 41 serves as an effective radiation surface of electromagneticwaves in the z direction. According to embodiments, in the resonator 10,a first area of the first conductive layer 41 is greater than a firstarea of the other conductive layers. In the resonator 10, if the firstarea of the first conductive layer 41 is increased, the radiation ofelectromagnetic waves can be increased.

According to embodiments, in the resonator 10, the first conductivelayer 41 serves as an effective radiation surface of electromagneticwaves in the z direction. In the resonator 10, if the first area of thefirst conductive layer 41 is increased, the radiation of electromagneticwaves can be increased. In combination with that, in the resonator 10,even if a plurality of unit resonators is included, the resonancefrequency does not change. Using such characteristics, in the resonator10, it is easier to increase the first area of the first conductivelayer 41, as compared to the case in which only one unit resonatorresonates.

According to embodiments, the resonator 10 can include one or moreimpedance elements 45. Each impedance element 45 has an impedance valueamong a plurality of terminals. The impedance element 45 varies theresonance frequency of the resonator 10. The impedance element 45 caninclude a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor. The impedance element45 can also include a variable element whose impedance value can vary.The variable element can vary the impedance value using electricsignals. The variable element can vary the impedance value using aphysical mechanism.

The impedance element 45 can be connected to two unit conductors of thethird conductor 40 arranged in the x direction. The impedance element 45can be connected to two first unit conductors 411 that are arranged inthe x direction. The impedance element 45 can be connected to the firstconnecting conductor 413 and the first floating conductor 414 that arearranged in the x direction. The impedance element 45 can be connectedto the first conductor 31 and the first floating conductor 414. Theimpedance element 45 is connected to a unit conductor of the thirdconductor 40 at the central portion in the y direction. The impedanceelement 45 is connected to the central portion of two first unitconductors 411 in the y direction.

The impedance element 45 is electrically connected in series between twoconductors arranged in the x direction in the x-y plane. The impedanceelement 45 can be electrically connected in series between the firstconnecting conductor 413 and the first floating conductor 414 that arearranged in the x direction. The impedance element 45 can beelectrically connected in series between the first conductor 31 and thefirst floating conductor 414.

The impedance element 45 can be electrically connected in parallel totwo first unit conductors 411 and the second unit conductor 421 thatoverlap in the z direction and that have capacitance. The impedanceelement 45 can be electrically connected in parallel to the secondconnecting conductor 423 and the first floating conductor 414 thatoverlap in the z direction and that have capacitance.

In the resonator 10, the resonance frequency can be lowered by adding acapacitor as the impedance element 45. In the resonator 10, theresonance frequency can be increased by adding an inductor as theimpedance element 45. The resonator 10 can include the impedanceelements 45 having different impedance values. The resonator 10 caninclude capacitors having difference capacitances as the impedanceelements 45. The resonator 10 can include inductors having differentinductances as the impedance elements 45. In the resonator 10, as aresult of adding the impedance elements 45 having different impedancevalues, an adjustment range of the resonance frequency increases. Theresonator 10 can simultaneously include a capacitor and an inductor asthe impedance elements 45. In the resonator 10, as a result ofsimultaneously adding a capacitor and an inductor as the impedanceelements 45, the adjustment range of the resonance frequency increases.As a result of including the impedance elements 45, the entire resonator10 can serve as one unit resonator or as a part of one unit resonator.

According to embodiments, the resonator 10 can include one or moreconductive components 46. Each conductive component 46 is a functionalcomponent having a conductor inside. The functional component caninclude a processor, a memory, and a sensor. The conductive component 46is arranged adjacent to the resonator 10 in the y direction. In theconductive component 46, the ground terminal can be configured to beelectrically connected to the fourth conductor 50. However, theconductive component 46 is not limited to be configured in such a waythat the ground terminal is electrically connected to the fourthconductor 50, and can be electrically independent from the resonator 10.As a result of placing the resonator 10 and the conductive component 46adjacent in the y direction, the resonance frequency becomes higher. Ifthe resonator 10 is placed adjacent to a plurality of conductivecomponents 46 in the y direction, the resonance frequency goes furtherhigher. In the resonator 10, greater the length of the conductivecomponents 46 along the z direction, the more is the increase in theresonance frequency. If the conductive components 46 have a greaterlength in the z direction than the resonator 10, there is a decrease inthe amount of change in the resonance frequency for every increment inthe unit length.

According to embodiments, the resonator 10 can include one or moredielectric components 47. The dielectric component 47 faces the thirdconductors 40 in the z direction. The dielectric component 47 is anobject that, in at least a part of the portion facing the thirdconductor 40, does not include a conductor and that has a greaterpermittivity than the atmospheric air. In the resonator 10, thedielectric component 47 faces the third conductors 40 in the zdirection, so that the resonance frequency decreases. In the resonator10, shorter the distance to the dielectric component 47 in the zdirection, the more is the decrease in the resonance frequency. In theresonator 10, greater an area over which the third conductor 40 and thedielectric component 47 face each other, the more is the decrease in theresonance frequency.

FIGS. 1 to 5 are diagrams illustrating the resonator 10 representing anexample according to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of theresonator 10. FIG. 2 is a planar view of the x-y plane when viewed fromthe z direction. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along IIIa-IIIaline illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view takenalong IIIb-IIIb line illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectionalview taken along IV-IV line illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 5 is aconceptual diagram illustrating the unit structure 10X representing anexample according to embodiments.

In the resonator 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the first conductivelayer 41 includes a patch resonator that serves as the first unitresonator 41X. The second conductive layer 42 includes a patch resonatorthat serves as the second unit resonator 42X. The unit resonator 40Xincludes one first unit resonator 41X and four second divisionalresonators 42Y. The unit structure 10X includes the unit resonator 40X,and includes a part of the base 20 and a part of the fourth conductor 50that overlap with the unit resonator 40X in the z direction.

FIGS. 6 to 9 are diagrams illustrating a resonator 6-10 representing anexample according to embodiments. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of theresonator 6-10. FIG. 7 is a planar view of the x-y plane when viewedfrom the z direction. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken alongVIIIa-VIIIa line illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectionalview taken along VIIIb-VIIIb line illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is across-sectional view taken along IX-IX line illustrated in FIGS. 8A and8B.

In the resonator 6-10, a first conductive layer 6-41 includes a slotresonator that serves as a first unit resonator 6-41X. A secondconductive layer 6-42 includes a slot resonator that serves as a secondunit resonator 6-42X. A unit resonator 6-40X includes one first unitresonator 6-41X and four second divisional resonators 6-42Y. A unitstructure 6-10X includes the unit resonator 6-40X, and includes a partof a base 6-20 and a part of a fourth conductor 6-50 that overlap withthe unit resonator 6-40X in the z direction.

FIGS. 10 to 13 are diagrams illustrating a resonator 10-10 representingan example according to embodiments. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of theresonator 10-10. FIG. 11 is a planar view of the x-y plane when viewedfrom the z direction. FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken alongXIIa-XIIa line illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectionalview taken along XIIb-XIIb line illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is across-sectional view taken along XIII-XIII line illustrated in FIGS. 12Aand 12B.

In the resonator 10-10, a first conductive layer 10-41 includes a patchresonator that serves as a first unit resonator 10-41X. A secondconductive layer 10-42 includes a slot resonator that serves as a secondunit resonator 10-42X. A unit resonator 10-40X includes one first unitresonator 10-41X and four second divisional resonators 10-42Y. A unitstructure 10-10X includes the unit resonator 10-40X, and includes a partof a base 10-20 and a part of a fourth conductor 10-50 that overlap withthe unit resonator 10-40X in the z direction.

FIGS. 14 to 17 are diagrams illustrating a resonator 14-10 representingan example according to embodiments. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of theresonator 14-10. FIG. 15 is a planar view of the x-y plane when viewedfrom the z direction. FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken alongXVIa-XVIa line illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectionalview taken along XVIb-XVIb line illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is across-sectional view taken along XVII-XVII line illustrated in FIGS. 16Aand 16B.

In the resonator 14-10, a first conductive layer 14-41 includes a slotresonator that serves as a first unit resonator 14-41X. A secondconductive layer 14-42 includes a patch resonator that serves as asecond unit resonator 14-42X. A unit resonator 14-40X includes one firstunit resonator 14-41X and four second divisional resonators 14-42Y. Aunit structure 14-10X includes the unit resonator 14-40X, and includes apart of a base 14-20 and a part of a fourth conductor 14-50 that overlapwith the unit resonator 14-40X in the z direction.

The resonators 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 17 are only exemplary. Theconfiguration of the resonator 10 is not limited to the structuresillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 17. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating aresonator 18-10 that includes pair conductors 18-30 having anotherconfiguration. FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view taken along XIXa-XIXaline illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view takenalong XIXb-XIXb line illustrated in FIG. 18.

The base 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19 is only exemplary. That is, theconfiguration of the base 20 is not limited to the configurationillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19. As illustrated in FIG. 20, a base 20-20can have a cavity 20 a therein. In the z direction, the cavity 20 a ispositioned between third conductors 20-40 and a fourth conductor 20-50.The permittivity of the cavity 20 a is lower than the permittivity ofthe base 20-20. As a result of having the cavity 20 a in the base 20-20,the electromagnetic distance between the third conductors 20-40 and thefourth conductor 20-50 can be shorter.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, a base 21-20 includes a plurality of members.The base 21-20 can include a first base 21-21, a second base 21-22, andconnectors 21-23. The first base 21-21 and the second base 21-22 can beconfigured to be mechanically connected via the connectors 21-23. Eachconnector 21-23 can have a sixth conductor 303 therein. The sixthconductor 303 is electrically connected to the fifth conductive layer21-301 or the fifth conductor 21-302. In combination with the fifthconductive layer 21-301 and the fifth conductor 21-302, the sixthconductor 303 serves as a first conductor 21-31 or a second conductor21-32.

The pair conductors 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 21 are only exemplary.The configuration of the pair conductors 30 is not limited to theconfiguration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 21. FIGS. 22A to 28 are diagramsillustrating the resonator 10 that includes the pair conductors 30having other configurations. FIGS. 22A to 22C each are a cross-sectionalview corresponding to FIG. 19A. As illustrated in FIG. 22A, the numberof fifth conductive layers 22A-301 can change as appropriate. Asillustrated in FIG. 22B, a fifth conductive layer 22B-301 need not bepositioned on a base 22B-20. As illustrated in FIG. 22C, a fifthconductive layer 22C-301 need not be positioned in a base 22C-20.

FIG. 23 is a planar view corresponding to FIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 23, in a resonator 23-10, fifth conductors 23-302 can be separatedfrom the boundary of a unit resonator 23-40X. FIG. 24 is a planar viewcorresponding FIG. 18. As illustrated in FIG. 24, a first conductor24-31 as well as a second conductor 24-32 can include protrusionsprotruding toward the first conductor 24-31 or the second conductor24-32 to be paired. Such a resonator 10 can be manufactured, forexample, by applying a metallic paste on the base 20 having recesses andcuring the metal paste. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 23,the recesses are round in shape. However, the recesses are not limitedto have the round shape, and can have a round-edged polygonal shape oran elliptical shape.

FIG. 25 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 18. As illustrated in FIG.25, a base 25-20 can have concave portions. As illustrated in FIG. 25, afirst conductor 25-31 and a second conductor 25-32 have recesses thatare recessed inward in the x direction from an outer surface. Asillustrated in FIG. 25, the first conductor 25-31 and the secondconductor 25-32 extend along the surface of the base 25-20. Such aresonator 10 can be manufactured, for example, by spraying a finemetallic material onto the base 25-20 having recesses.

FIG. 26 is a planar view corresponding to FIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 26, a base 26-20 can have recesses. As illustrated in FIG. 26, afirst conductor 26-31 and a second conductor 26-32 have recesses thatare recessed inward in the x direction from an outer surface. Asillustrated in FIG. 26, the first conductor 26-31 and the secondconductor 26-32 extend along the surface of the base 26-20. Such aresonator 10 can be manufactured, for example, by partitioning a mothersubstrate along an arrangement of through-hole conductors. The firstconductor 26-31 and the second conductor 26-32 can be referred to asedge-face through holes.

FIG. 27 is a planar view corresponding to FIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 27, a base 27-20 can have recesses. As illustrated in FIG. 27, afirst conductor 27-31 and a second conductor 27-32 have recesses thatare recessed inward in the x direction from an outer surface. Aresonator 27-10 can be manufactured, for example, by partitioning amother substrate along an arrangement of through-hole conductors. Thefirst conductor 27-31 and the second conductor 27-32 can be referred toas edge-face through holes. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 24 to27, the recesses have a semicircular shape. However, the recesses arenot limited to have the semicircular shape, and can have a round-edgedpolygonal shape or an arc of an elliptical shape. For example, using apart along the long axis direction of the elliptical shape, a largerarea of the y-z plane can be secured with a smaller number of edge-facethrough holes.

FIG. 28 is a planar view corresponding to FIG. 18. As illustrated inFIG. 28, a first conductor 28-31 and a second conductor 28-32 areshorter in length in the x direction as compared to a base 28-20.However, the configuration of the first conductor 28-31 and the secondconductor 28-32 is not limited to this example. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 28, although the pair conductors 30 have differentlengths in the x direction, they can also have the same length. Eitherone or both of the pair conductors 30 can be shorter in length in the xdirection as compared to the third conductors 40. The pair conductors 30that are shorter in length in the x direction as compared to the base 20can have a structure as illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 27. The pairconductors 30 that are shorter in length in the x direction as comparedto the third conductors 40 can have a structure as illustrated in FIGS.18 to 27. The pair conductors 30 can have mutually differentconfigurations. For example, one of the pair conductors 30 can includethe fifth conductive layer 301 and the fifth conductors 302; while theother pair conductors 30 can have edge-face through holes.

The third conductors 40 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 28 are only exemplary.The configuration of the third conductors 40 is not limited to theconfiguration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 28. The unit resonator 40X, thefirst unit resonator 41X, and the second unit resonator 42X are notlimited to have a rectangular shape. The unit resonator 40X, the firstunit resonator 41X, and the second unit resonator 42X can be referred toas the unit resonator 40X and the like. For example, the unit resonator40X and the like can be triangular in shape as illustrated in FIG. 29Aor can be hexagonal in shape as illustrated in FIG. 29B. As illustratedin FIG. 30, the edges of a unit resonator 30-40X and the like can extendin the directions different from the x direction and the y direction. Ineach third conductor 30-40, a second conductive layer 30-42 can bepositioned on a base 30-20, and a first conductive layer 30-41 can bepositioned in the base 30-20. In the third conductor 30-40, as comparedto the first conductive layer 30-41, the second conductive layer 30-42can be positioned at a greater distance from a fourth conductor 30-50.

The third conductors 40 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 30 are only exemplary.That is, the configuration of the third conductors 40 is not limited tothe configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 30. The resonator thatincludes the third conductors 40 can be a resonator 401 of the linetype. In FIG. 31A is illustrated the resonator 401 of the meander linetype. In FIG. 31B is illustrated a resonator 31B-401 of the spiral type.The resonator that includes the third conductors 40 can be a resonator402 of the slot type. The resonator 402 of the slot type can include,within an opening, one or more seventh conductors 403. The seventhconductors 403 in the opening are configured to have one end that isopened and the other end that is electrically connected to a conductordefining the opening. In a unit slot illustrated in FIG. 31C, fiveseventh conductors 403 are positioned in the opening. Due to the seventhconductors 403, the unit slot has a shape corresponding to meanderlines. In a unit slot illustrated in FIG. 31D, one seventh conductor31D-403 is positioned in the opening. Due to the seventh conductor31D-403, the unit slot has a shape corresponding to a spiral.

The configurations of the resonator 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 31 areonly exemplary. The configuration of the resonator 10 is not limited tothe configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 31. For example, theresonator 10 can include three or more pair conductors 30. For example,one pair conductor 30 can face two pair conductors 30 in the xdirection. The two pair conductors 30 have different distances to theone pair conductor 30. For example, the resonator 10 can include twopairs of pair conductors 30. The two pairs of pair conductors 30 canhave different distances and different lengths. The resonator 10 caninclude five or more first conductors. In the resonator 10, the unitstructure 10X can be arranged with other unit structures 10X in the ydirection. In the resonator 10, the unit structure 10X can be arrangedwith other unit structures 10X in the x direction without involving thepair conductors 30. FIGS. 32A to 34D are diagrams illustrating examplesof the resonator 10. In the resonator 10 illustrated in FIGS. 32A to34D, although the unit resonator 40X of the unit structure 10X isillustrated to have the square shape, but the unit resonator is notlimited to this shape.

The configurations of the resonator 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 34 areonly exemplary. The configuration of the resonator 10 is not limited tothe configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 34. FIG. 35 is a planarview of the x-y plane when viewed from the z direction. FIG. 36A is across-sectional view taken along XXXVIa-XXXVIa line illustrated in FIG.35. FIG. 36B is a cross-sectional view taken along XXXVIb-XXXVIb lineillustrated in FIG. 35.

In a resonator 35-10, a first conductive layer 35-41 includes half of apatch resonator as a first unit resonator 35-41X. A second conductivelayer 35-42 includes half of a patch resonator as a second unitresonator 35-42X. A unit resonator 35-40X includes one first divisionalresonator 35-41Y and one second divisional resonator 35-42Y. A unitstructure 35-10X includes the unit resonator 35-40X, and includes a partof a base 35-20 and a part of a fourth conductor 35-50 that overlap withthe unit resonator 35-40X in the z direction. In the resonator 35-10,three unit resonators 35-40X are arranged in the x direction. A firstunit conductor 35-411 and a second unit conductor 35-421 included in thethree unit resonators 35-40X constitute one current path 35-40I.

In FIG. 37 is illustrated another example of the resonator 35-10illustrated in FIG. 35. A resonator 37-10 illustrated in FIG. 37 islonger in the x direction as compared to the resonator 35-10. However,the dimensions of the resonator 10 are not limited to the dimensions ofthe resonator 37-10, and can be appropriated varied. In the resonator37-10, a first connecting conductor 37-413 has a length in the xdirection that is different from a first floating conductor 37-414. Inthe resonator 37-10, the first connecting conductor 37-413 has a smallerlength in the x direction than the first floating conductor 37-414. InFIG. 38 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 35-10. Ina resonator 38-10 illustrated in FIG. 38, a third conductor 38-40 hasdifferent lengths in the x direction. In the resonator 38-10, a firstconnecting conductor 38-413 has a greater length in the x direction thana first floating conductor 38-414.

In FIG. 39 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10. InFIG. 39 is illustrated another example of the resonator 37-10illustrated in FIG. 37. According to embodiments, the resonator 10 isconfigured in such a way that a plurality of first unit conductors 411and a plurality of second unit conductors 421 arranged in the xdirection are capacitively coupled. In the resonator 10, two currentpaths 40I can be arranged in the y direction in which no current flowsfrom one side to the other side.

In FIG. 40 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10. InFIG. 40 is illustrated another example of a resonator 39-10 illustratedin FIG. 39. According to embodiments, in the resonator 10, the number ofconductors connected to the first conductor 31 can be different from thenumber of conductors connected to the second conductor 32. In aresonator 40-10 illustrated in FIG. 40, the configuration is such thatone first connecting conductor 40-413 is capacitively coupled with twosecond floating conductors 40-424. In the resonator 40-10 illustrated inFIG. 40, the configuration is such that two second connecting conductors40-423 are capacitively coupled with one first floating conductor40-414. According to embodiments, the number of first unit conductors411 can be different from the number of second unit conductors 421,which are capacitively coupled with the first unit conductors 411.

In FIG. 41 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 39-10illustrated in FIG. 39. According to embodiments, the number of secondunit conductors 421 that are capacitively coupled with the first endportion of the first unit conductor 411 in the x direction can bedifferent from the number of second unit conductors 421 that arecapacitively coupled with the second end portion of the first unitconductor 411 in the x direction. In a resonator 41-10 illustrated inFIG. 41, one second floating conductor 41-424 has two first connectingconductors 41-413 capacitively coupled with the first end portion in thex direction and has three second floating conductors 41-424 capacitivelycoupled with the second end portion in the x direction. According toembodiments, a plurality of conductors arranged in the y direction canhave different lengths in the y direction. In the resonator 41-10illustrated in FIG. 41, three first floating conductors 41-414 arrangedin the y direction have different lengths in the y direction.

In FIG. 42 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10.FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along XLIII-XLIII lineillustrated in FIG. 42. In a resonator 42-10 illustrated in FIGS. 42 and43, a first conductive layer 42-41 includes half of a patch resonator asa first unit resonator 42-41X. A second conductive layer 42-42 includeshalf of a patch resonator as a second unit resonator 42-42X. A unitresonator 42-40X includes one first divisional resonator 42-41Y and onesecond divisional resonator 42-42Y. A unit structure 42-10X includes theunit resonator 42-40X, and includes a part of a base 42-20 and a part ofa fourth conductor 42-50 that overlap with the unit resonator 42-40X inthe z direction. The resonator 42-10 illustrated in FIG. 42 has one unitresonator 42-40X extending in the x direction.

In FIG. 44 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10.FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along XLV-XLV line illustratedin FIG. 44. In a resonator 44-10 illustrated in FIGS. 44 and 45, a thirdconductor 44-40 includes only a first connecting conductor 44-413. Thefirst connecting conductor 44-413 faces a first conductor 44-31 in thex-y plane. The first connecting conductor 44-413 is configured to becapacitively coupled with the first conductor 44-31.

In FIG. 46 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10.FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view taken along XLVII-XLVII lineillustrated in FIG. 46. In a resonator 46-10 illustrated in FIGS. 46 and47, a third conductor 46-40 includes a first conductive layer 46-41 anda second conductive layer 46-42. The first conductive layer 46-41includes one first floating conductor 46-414. The second conductivelayer 46-42 includes two second connecting conductors 46-423. The firstconductive layer 46-41 faces pair conductors 46-30 in the x-y plane. Thetwo second connecting conductors 46-423 overlap with the single firstfloating conductor 46-414 in the z direction. The single first floatingconductor 46-414 is configured to be capacitively coupled with the twosecond connecting conductors 46-423.

In FIG. 48 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10.FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional diagram taken along XLIX-XLIX lineillustrated in FIG. 48. In a resonator 48-10 illustrated in FIGS. 48 and49, the third conductor 48-40 includes only one first floating conductor48-414. The first floating conductor 48-414 faces pair conductors 48-30in the x-y plane. The first floating conductor 48-414 is configured tobe capacitively coupled with the pair conductors 48-30.

In FIG. 50 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10.FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view taken along LI-LI line illustrated inFIG. 50. A resonator 50-10 illustrated in FIGS. 50 and 51 is differentfrom the resonator 42-10 illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43 in theconfiguration of the fourth conductor 50. The resonator 50-10 includes afourth conductor 50-50 and the reference potential layer 51. Thereference potential layer 51 is configured to be electrically connectedto the ground of the device that includes the resonator 50-10. Thereference potential layer 51 faces third conductors 50-40 via the fourthconductor 50-50. The fourth conductor 50-50 is positioned between thethird conductors 50-40 and the reference potential layer 51. Thedistance between the reference potential layer 51 and the fourthconductor 50-50 is shorter than the distance between the thirdconductors 50-40 and the fourth conductor 50-50.

In FIG. 52 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10.FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view taken along LIII-LIII line illustratedin FIG. 52. A resonator 52-10 includes a fourth conductor 52-50 and areference potential layer 52-51. The reference potential layer 52-51 isconfigured to be electrically connected to the ground of the device thatincludes the resonator 52-10. The fourth conductor 52-50 includes aresonator. The fourth conductor 52-50 includes the third conductivelayer 52 and the fourth conductive layer 53. The third conductive layer52 and the fourth conductive layer 53 are capacitively coupled with eachother. The third conductive layer 52 and the fourth conductive layer 53face each other in the z direction. The distance between the thirdconductive layer 52 and the fourth conductive layer 53 is shorter thanthe distance between the fourth conductive layer 53 and the referencepotential layer 52-51. The distance between the third conductive layer52 and the fourth conductive layer 53 is shorter than the distancebetween the fourth conductor 52-50 and the reference potential layer52-51. Herein, third conductors 52-40 constitutes one conductive layer.

In FIG. 54 is illustrated another example of a resonator 53-10illustrated in FIG. 53. A resonator 54-10 illustrated in FIG. 54includes a third conductor 54-40, a fourth conductor 54-50, and areference potential layer 54-51. The third conductor 54-40 includes afirst conductive layer 54-41 and a second conductive layer 54-42. Thefirst conductive layer 54-41 includes a first connecting conductor54-413. The second conductive layer 54-42 includes a second connectingconductor 54-423. The first connecting conductor 54-413 is configured tobe capacitively coupled with the second connecting conductor 54-423. Thereference potential layer 54-51 is configured to be electricallyconnected to the ground of the device that includes the resonator 54-10.The fourth conductor 54-50 includes a third conductive layer 54-52 and afourth conductive layer 54-53. The third conductive layer 54-52 and thefourth conductive layer 54-53 are capacitively coupled with each other.The third conductive layer 54-52 and the fourth conductive layer 54-53face each other in the z direction. The distance between the thirdconductive layer 54-52 and the fourth conductive layer 54-53 is shorterthan the distance between the fourth conductive layer 54-53 and thereference potential layer 54-51. The distance between the thirdconductive layer 54-52 and the fourth conductive layer 54-53 is shorterthan the distance between the fourth conductor 54-50 and the referencepotential layer 54-51.

In FIG. 55 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 10.FIG. 56A is a cross-sectional view taken along LVIa-LVIa lineillustrated in FIG. 55. FIG. 56B is a cross-sectional view taken alongLVIb-LVIb line illustrated in FIG. 55. In a resonator 55-10 illustratedin FIG. 55, a first conductive layer 55-41 includes four first floatingconductors 55-414. The first conductive layer 55-41 does not include anyfirst connecting conductor 55-413. In the resonator 55-10, a secondconductive layer 55-42 includes six second connecting conductors 55-423and three second floating conductors 55-424. Two of the secondconnecting conductors 55-423 are configured to be capacitively coupledwith two of the first floating conductors 55-414. One second floatingconductor 55-424 is configured to be capacitively coupled with fourfirst floating conductors 414. Two second floating conductors 55-424 areconfigured to be capacitively coupled with two first floating conductors55-414.

In FIG. 57 is illustrated another example of the resonator 55-10illustrated in FIG. 55. In a resonator 57-10 illustrated in FIG. 57, thesize of a second conductive layer 57-42 is different from the size ofthe second conductive layer 55-42 in the resonator 55-10. In theresonator 57-10 illustrated in FIG. 57, the length of a second floatingconductor 57-424 in the x direction is smaller than the length of asecond connecting conductor 57-423 in the x direction.

In FIG. 58 is illustrated still another example of the resonator 55-10illustrated in FIG. 55. In a resonator 58-10 illustrated in FIG. 58, thesize of a second conductive layer 58-42 is different from the size ofthe second conductive layer 55-42 in the resonator 55-10. In theresonator 58-10, a plurality of second unit conductors 58-421 havedifferent first areas. In the resonator 58-10 illustrated in FIG. 58,the plurality of second unit conductors 58-421 have different lengths inthe x direction. In the resonator 58-10 illustrated in FIG. 58, theplurality of second unit conductors 58-421 have different lengths in they direction. In FIG. 58, the second unit conductors 58-421 have mutuallydifferent first surface areas, mutually different lengths, and mutuallydifferent widths, but is not limited thereto. In FIG. 58, the pluralityof second unit conductors 58-421 can be different from each other insome of the first area, the length, and the width. The plurality ofsecond unit conductors 58-421 can match each other in some or all of thefirst surface area, the length, and the width. The plurality of secondunit conductors 58-421 can be different from each other in some or allof the first area, the length, and the width. The plurality of secondunit conductors 58-421 can match each other in some or all of the firstarea, the length, and the width. Some of the plurality of second unitconductors 58-421 can match each other in some or all of the first area,the length, and the width.

In the resonator 58-10 illustrated in FIG. 58, a plurality of secondconnecting conductors 58-423 arranged in the y direction have mutuallydifferent first areas. In the resonator 58-10 illustrated in FIG. 58,the plurality of second connecting conductors 58-423 arranged in the ydirection have mutually different lengths in the x direction. In theresonator 58-10 illustrated in FIG. 58, the plurality of secondconnecting conductors 58-423 have mutually different lengths in the ydirection. In FIG. 58, the second connecting conductors 58-423 havemutually different first areas, mutually different lengths, and mutuallydifferent widths, but is not limited thereto. In FIG. 58, the pluralityof second connecting conductors 58-423 can be different from each otherin some of the first area, the length, and the width. The plurality ofsecond connecting conductors 58-423 can match each other in some or allof the first area, the length, and the width. The plurality of secondconnecting conductors 58-423 can be different from each other in some orall of the first area, the length, and the width. The plurality ofsecond connecting conductors 58-423 can match each other in some or allof the first area, the length, and the width. Some of the plurality ofsecond connecting conductors 58-423 can match each other in some or allof the first area, the length, and the width.

In the resonator 58-10, a plurality of second floating conductors 58-424arranged in the y direction has mutually different first areas. In theresonator 58-10, the plurality of second floating conductors 58-424arranged in the y direction has mutually different lengths in the zdirection. In the resonator 58-10, the plurality of second floatingconductors 58-424 arranged in the y direction has mutually differentlengths in the y direction. The second floating conductors 58-424 havemutually different first areas, mutually different lengths, and mutuallydifferent widths, but is not limited thereto. The plurality of secondfloating conductors 58-424 can be different from each other in some ofthe first area, the length, and the width. The plurality of secondfloating conductors 58-424 can match each other in some or all of thefirst area, the length, and the width. The plurality of second floatingconductors 58-424 can be different from each other in some or all of thefirst area, the length, and the width. The plurality of second floatingconductors 58-424 can match each other in some or all of the first area,the length, and the width. Some of the plurality of second floatingconductors 58-424 can match each other in some or all of the first area,the length, and the width.

FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating another example of the resonator 57-10illustrated in FIG. 57. In a resonator 59-10 illustrated in FIG. 59, thedistance between first unit conductors 59-411 in the y direction isdifferent from the distance between first unit conductors 57-411 in they direction in the resonator 57-10. In the resonator 59-10, the distancebetween the first unit conductors 59-411 in the y direction is shorterthan the distance between the first unit conductors 59-411 in the xdirection. In the resonator 59-10, since pair conductors 59-30 canfunction as electric conductors, the electric current flows in the xdirection. In the resonator 59-10, the electric current flowing in athird conductor 59-40 in the y direction is ignorable. The distancebetween the first unit conductors 59-411 in the y direction can beshorter than the distance between the first unit conductors 59-411 inthe x direction. As a result of setting a shorter distance between thefirst unit conductors 59-411 in the y direction, the area of the firstunit conductors 59-411 can be increased.

FIGS. 60 to 62 are diagrams illustrating still other examples of theresonator 10. These resonators 10 include the impedance elements 45. Theunit conductors to which the impedance elements 45 are connected are notlimited to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 60 to 62. Some of theimpedance elements 45 illustrated in FIGS. 60 to 62 can be omitted. Theimpedance elements 45 can have the capacitance characteristics. Theimpedance elements 45 can have the inductance characteristics. Theimpedance elements 45 can be mechanical variable elements or electricalvariable elements. The impedance element 45 can connect two differentconductors located in the same layer.

FIG. 63 is a planar view illustrating still another example of theresonator 10. A resonator 63-10 includes the conductive component 46.The resonator 63-10 including the conductive component 46 is not limitedto have this structure. The resonator 10 can include a plurality ofconductive components 46 on one side in the y direction. The resonator10 can include one or more conductive components 46 on both sides in they direction.

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another example ofthe resonator 10. A resonator 64-10 includes the dielectric component47. In the resonator 64-10, the dielectric component 47 overlaps with athird conductor 64-40 in the z direction. The resonator 64-10 includingthe dielectric component 47 is not limited to have this structure. Inthe resonator 10, the dielectric component 47 can overlap with only somepart of the third conductor 40.

An antenna has at least one of a function of radiating electromagneticwaves and a function of receiving electromagnetic waves. An antennaaccording to the present disclosure includes a first antenna 60 and asecond antenna 70, but is not limited thereto.

The first antenna 60 includes the base 20, the pair conductors 30, thethird conductors 40, the fourth conductor 50, and a first feeding line61. As an example, the first antenna 60 includes a third base 24 on thebase 20. The third base 24 can have a different composition from thebase 20. The third base 24 can be positioned on the third conductors 40.FIGS. 65 to 78 are diagrams illustrating the first antenna 60representing an example according to embodiments.

The first feeding line 61 is configured to feed electric power to atleast one of the resonators that are arranged periodically as artificialmagnetic conductors. In the case of feeding electric power to aplurality of resonators, the first antenna 60 can include a plurality offirst feeding lines. The first feeding line 61 can be configured to beelectromagnetically connected to any of the resonators arrangedperiodically as artificial magnetic conductors. The first feeding line61 can be configured to be electromagnetically connected to any of apair of conductors seen as electrical conductors from the resonatorsthat are arranged periodically as artificial magnetic conductors.

The first feeding line 61 is configured to feed electric power to atleast one of the first conductor 31, the second conductor 32, and thethird conductors 40. In the case of feeding electric power to aplurality of parts of the first conductor 31, the second conductor 32,and the third conductors 40; the first antenna 60 can include aplurality of first feeding lines. The first feeding line 61 can beconfigured to be electromagnetically connected to any of the firstconductor 31, the second conductor 32, and the third conductors 40. Whenthe first antenna 60 includes the reference potential layer 51 inaddition to including the fourth conductor 50, the first feeding line 61can be configured to be electromagnetically connected to any of thefirst conductor 31, the second conductor 32, the third conductors 40,and the fourth conductor 50. The first feeding line 61 can be configuredto be electrically connected to either the fifth conductive layer 301 orthe fifth conductors 302 of the pair conductors 30. A part of the firstfeeding line 61 can be integrated with the fifth conductive layer 301.

The first feeding line 61 can be configured to be electromagneticallyconnected to the third conductors 40. For example, the first feedingline 61 is configured to be electromagnetically connected to one of thefirst unit resonators 41X. For example, the first feeding line 61 isconfigured to be electromagnetically connected to one of the second unitresonators 42X. The first feeding line 61 is configured to beelectromagnetically connected to the unit conductor of the thirdconductor 40 at a point different from the center in the x direction.According to an embodiment, the first feeding line 61 is configured tosupply electric power to at least one resonator included in the thirdconductors 40. According to an embodiment, the first feeding line 61 isconfigured to feed the electric power coming from at least one resonatorincluded in the third conductors 40 to the outside. At least a part ofthe first feeding line 61 can be positioned in the base 20. The firstfeeding line 61 can be exposed to the outside from the two z-x planes ofthe base 20, or the two z-y planes of the base 20, or the two x-y planesof the base 20.

The first feeding line 61 can be connected to the third conductors 40from the forward direction of the z direction or from the reversedirection of the z direction. The fourth conductor 50 can be omittedfrom around the first feeding line 61. The first feeding line 61 can beconfigured to be electromagnetically connected to the third conductors40 through the opening of the fourth conductor 50. The first conductivelayer 41 can be omitted from around the first feeding line 61. The firstfeeding line 61 can be connected to the second conductive layer 42through the opening of the first conductive layer 41. The first feedingline 61 can be in contact with the third conductors 40 along the x-yplane. The pair conductors 30 can be omitted from around the firstfeeding line 61. The first feeding line 61 can be connected to the thirdconductors 40 through the opening of the pair conductors 30. The firstfeeding line 61 is connected to the unit conductors of the thirdconductors 40 at a distance from the central portion of the unitconductors.

FIG. 65 is a planar view of the x-y plane when the first antenna 60 isviewed from the z direction. FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view takenalong LXIV-LXIV line illustrated in FIG. 65. The first antenna 60illustrated in FIGS. 65 and 66 includes a third base 65-24 on a thirdconductor 65-40. The third base 65-24 has an opening on a firstconductive layer 65-41. The first feeding line 61 is configured to beelectrically connected to the first conductive layer 65-41 via theopening of the third base 65-24.

FIG. 67 is a planar view of the x-y plane when the first antenna 60 isviewed from the z direction. FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view takenalong LXVIII-LXVIII line illustrated in FIG. 67. In a first antenna67-60 illustrated in FIGS. 67 and 68, a part of a first feeding line67-61 is positioned on a base 67-20. The first feeding line 67-61 can beconnected to a third conductor 67-40 in the x-y plane. The first feedingline 67-61 can be connected to a first conductive layer 67-41 in the x-yplane. According to an embodiment, the first feeding line 61 can beconnected to the second conductive layer 42 in the x-y plane.

FIG. 69 is a planar view of the x-y plane when the first antenna 60 isviewed from the z direction. FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view takenalong LXX-LXX line illustrated in FIG. 69. In the first antenna 60illustrated in FIGS. 69 and 70, a first feeding line 69-61 is positionedin a base 69-20. The first feeding line 69-61 can be connected to athird conductor 69-40 from the reverse direction of the z direction. Afourth conductor 69-50 can have an opening. The fourth conductor 69-50can have an opening at a position overlapping with the third conductor69-40 in the z direction. The first feeding line 69-61 can be exposed tothe outside of the base 20 via that opening.

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the y-z plane when the firstantenna 60 is viewed from the x direction. Pair conductors 71-30 canhave an opening. A first feeding line 71-61 can be exposed to theoutside of a base 71-20 via that opening.

In the first plane, the electromagnetic waves radiated by the firstantenna 60 have a greater polarized wave component in the x directionthan the polarization component in the y direction. When a metallicplace approaches the fourth conductor 50, the polarization component inthe x direction has less attenuation than the horizontal polarizationcomponent. Thus, the first antenna 60 can maintain the radiationefficiency even when a metallic plate approaches from outside.

In FIG. 72 is illustrated another example of the first antenna 60. FIG.73 is a cross-sectional view taken along LXXIII-LXXIII line illustratedin FIG. 72. In FIG. 74 is illustrated still another example of the firstantenna 60. FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view taken along LXXV-LXXV lineillustrated in FIG. 74. In FIG. 76 is illustrated still another exampleof the first antenna 60. FIG. 77A is a cross-sectional view taken alongLXXVIIa-LXXVIIa line illustrated in FIG. 76. FIG. 77B is across-sectional view taken along LXXVIIb-LXXVIIb line illustrated inFIG. 76. In FIG. 78 is illustrated still another example of the firstantenna 60. A first antenna 78-60 illustrated in FIG. 78 includesimpedance elements 78-45.

The first antenna 60 is configured to change the operating frequencyusing the impedance elements 45. The first antenna 60 includes a firstfeeding conductor 415 connected to the first feeding line 61, andincludes the first unit conductors 411 not connected to the firstfeeding line 61. When the impedance elements 45 is connected to thefirst feeding conductor 415 and the other conductors, the impedancematching undergoes a change. In the first antenna 60, the impedancematching can be adjusted by connecting the first feeding conductor 415and the other conductors using the impedance elements 45. In the firstantenna 60, in order to adjust the impedance matching, the impedanceelements 45 can be inserted between the first feeding conductor 415 andthe other conductors. In the first antenna 60, in order to adjust theoperating frequency, the impedance elements 45 can be inserted betweenthe two first unit conductors 411 not connected to the first feedingline 61. In the first antenna 60, in order to adjust the operatingfrequency, the impedance elements 45 can be inserted between the firstunit conductors 411, which are not connected to the first feeding line61, and one of the pair conductors 30.

The second antenna 70 includes the base 20, the pair conductors 30, thethird conductors 40, the fourth conductor 50, a second feeding layer 71,and a second feeding line 72. As an example, the third conductors 40 arepositioned in the base 20. As an example, the second antenna 70 includesthe third base 24 on the base 20. The third base 24 can have a differentcomposition from the base 20. The third base 24 can be positioned on thethird conductors 40. The third base 24 can be positioned on the secondfeeding layer 71.

The second feeding layer 71 is positioned above the third conductors 40with a gap therebetween. The base 20 or the third base 24 can bepositioned between the second feeding layer 71 and the third conductors40. The second feeding layer 71 includes resonators of the line type, orthe patch type, or the slot type. The second feeding layer 71 can becalled an antenna element. As an example, the second feeding layer 71can be configured to be electromagnetically coupled with the thirdconductors 40. Due to the electromagnetic coupling with the thirdconductors 40, the resonance frequency of the second feeding layer 71changes from the isolated resonance frequency. As an example, the secondfeeding layer 71 is configured to receive the transmission of electricpower from the second feeding line 72 and resonate along with the thirdconductors 40. As an example, the second feeding layer 71 is configuredto receive the transmission of electric power from the second feedingline 72 and resonate along with the third conductors 40 and the thirdconductor.

The second feeding line 72 is configured to be electrically connected tothe second feeding layer 71. According to an embodiment, the secondfeeding line 72 is configured to transmit electric power to the secondfeeding layer 71. According to an embodiment, the second feeding line 72is configured to transmit the electric power coming from the secondfeeding layer 71 to the outside.

FIG. 79 is a planar view of the x-y plane when the second antenna 70 isviewed from the z direction. FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view takenalong LXXX-LXXX line illustrated in FIG. 79. In the second antenna 70illustrated in FIGS. 79 and 80, a third conductor 79-40 is positioned ina base 79-20. The second feeding layer 71 is positioned on the base79-20. The second feeding layer 71 is positioned to overlap with a unitstructure 79-10X in the z direction. The second feeding line 72 ispositioned on the base 79-20. The second feeding line 72 is configuredto be electromagnetically connected to the second feeding layer 71 inthe x-y plane.

A wireless communication module according to the present disclosure canbe a wireless communication module 80 representing an example accordingto embodiments. FIG. 81 is a block structure diagram of the wirelesscommunication module 80. FIG. 82 is a schematic block diagram of thewireless communication module 80. The wireless communication module 80includes the first antenna 60, a circuit board 81, and an RF module 82.The wireless communication module 80 can include the second antenna 70in place of the first antenna 60.

The first antenna 60 is positioned on the circuit board 81. In the firstantenna 60, the first feeding line 61 is configured to beelectromagnetically connected to the RF module 82 via the circuit board81. In the first antenna 60, the fourth conductor 50 is configured to beelectromagnetically connected to a ground conductor 811 of the circuitboard 81.

The ground conductor 811 can extend in the x-y plane. In the x-y plane,the ground conductor 811 has a larger area than the area of the fourthconductor 50. The ground conductor 811 is longer than the fourthconductor 50 in the y direction. The ground conductor 811 is longer thanthe fourth conductor 50 in the x direction. In the y direction, thefirst antenna 60 can be positioned closer to an end of the groundconductor 811 than the center of the ground conductor 811. The center ofthe first antenna 60 can be different from the center of the groundconductor 811 in the x-y plane. The center of the first antenna 60 canbe different from the center of the first conductor 31 and the centersof the second conductor 32. The point at which the first feeding line 61is connected to the third conductor 40 can be different from the centerof the ground conductor 811 in the x-y plane.

In the first antenna 60, the first current and the second current flowin a loop via the pair conductors 30. Since the first antenna 60 ispositioned closer to an end of the ground conductor 811 in the ydirection than the center of the ground conductor 811, the secondelectric current flowing through the ground conductor 811 becomesasymmetric. When the second electric current flowing through the groundconductor 811 becomes asymmetric, the antenna structure including thefirst antenna 60 and the ground conductor 811 has a greater polarizationcomponent in the x direction of the radiated waves. Because of anincrease in the polarization component in the x direction of theradiated waves, the overall radiation efficiency of the radiated wavesis enhanced.

The RF module 82 can be configured to control the electric powersupplied to the first antenna 60. The RF module 82 is configured tomodulate baseband signals and supply them to the first antenna 60. TheRF module 82 can be configured to modulate the electrical signals, whichare received in the first antenna 60, into baseband signals.

In the first antenna 60, there is only a small change in the resonancefrequency attributed to the conductors on the side of the circuit board81. As a result of including the first antenna 60, the influence fromthe external environment can be reduced in the wireless communicationmodule 80.

The first antenna 60 can be configured in an integrated manner with thecircuit board 81. When the first antenna 60 and the circuit board 81 areconfigured in an integrated manner, the fourth conductor 50 and theground conductor 811 have an integrated configuration.

FIG. 83 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another exampleof the wireless communication module 80. A wireless communication module83-80 illustrated in FIG. 83 includes a conductive component 83-46. Theconductive component 83-46 is positioned on a ground conductor 83-811 ofa circuit board 83-81. The conductive component 83-46 is arranged alongwith a first antenna 83-60 in the y direction. Herein, it is not limitedto have only one conductive component 83-46, and a plurality ofconductive components 83-46 can be positioned on the ground conductor83-811.

FIG. 84 is a partial cross-sectional view of still another example ofthe wireless communication module 80. A wireless communication module84-80 illustrated in FIG. 84 includes a dielectric component 84-47. Thedielectric component 84-47 is positioned on a ground conductor 84-811 ofa circuit board 84-81. A conductive component 84-46 is arranged with afirst antenna 84-60 in the y direction.

The wireless communication device according to the present disclosurecan include a wireless communication device 90 representing an exampleaccording to embodiments. FIG. 86 is a block structure diagram of thewireless communication module 90. Herein, FIG. 86 is a planar view ofthe wireless communication device 90. In the wireless communicationdevice 90 illustrated in FIG. 86, some of the constituent elements arenot illustrated. FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view of the wirelesscommunication device 90. In the wireless communication device 90illustrated in FIG. 87, some of the constituent elements are notillustrated. The wireless communication device 90 includes a wirelesscommunication module 80, a battery 91, a sensor 92, a memory 93, acontroller 94, a first case 95, and a second case 96. In the wirelesscommunication device 90, although the wireless communication module 80includes the first antenna 60, it can alternatively include the secondantenna 70. In FIG. 88 is illustrated the wireless communication device90 according to one of other embodiments. In a wireless communicationdevice 88-90, a first antenna 88-60 can include a reference potentiallayer 88-51.

The battery 91 is configured to supply electric power to the wirelesscommunication module 80. The battery 91 can be configured to supplyelectric power to at least one of the sensor 92, the memory 93, and thecontroller 94. The battery 91 can include at least either a primarybattery or a secondary battery. The negative electrode of the battery 91is configured to be electrically connected to the ground terminal of thecircuit board 81. The negative electrode of the battery 91 is configuredto be electrically connected to the fourth conductor 50 of the firstantenna 60.

The sensor 92 can include, for example, a velocity sensor, a vibrationsensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a rotation angle sensor,an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a magnetic sensor, atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, alight sensor, an illumination sensor, a UV sensor, a gas sensor, a gasconcentration sensor, an atmosphere sensor, a level sensor, an odorsensor, a pressure sensor, a pneumatic sensor, a contact sensor, a windsensor, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, a displacement sensor, animage sensor, a gravimetric sensor, a smoke sensor, a liquid leakagesensor, a vital sensor, a battery charge sensor, an ultrasound sensor,or a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal receiving device.

The memory 93 can include, for example, a semiconductor memory. Thememory 93 can be configured to function as the work memory of thecontroller 94. The memory 93 can be included in the controller 94. Thememory 93 stores, for example, programs in which the details of theoperations for implementing the functions of the wireless communicationdevice 90 are written, and information used in the operations performedin the wireless communication device 90.

The controller 94 can include, for example, a processor. The controller94 can include one or more processors. The processors can includegeneral-purpose processors for implementing particular functions byreading particular programs, and dedicated processors specialized inparticular operations. A dedicated processor can include an IC intendedfor a specific use. An IC intended for a specific use is also called anASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). A processor can includea programmable logic device, which is abbreviated as PLD. A PLD can bean FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The controller 94 can be an SoC(System-on-a-Chip) in which one or more processors operate incooperation, or can be an SiP (System In a Package). The controller 94can store, in the memory 93, a variety of information and programs foroperating the constituent elements of the wireless communication device90.

The controller 94 is configured to generate transmission signals to betransmitted from the wireless communication device 90. For example, thecontroller 94 can be configured to obtain measurement data from thesensor 92. The controller 94 can be configured to generate transmissionsignals according to the measurement data. The controller 94 can beconfigured to transmit baseband signals to the RF module 82 of thewireless communication module 80.

The first case 95 and the second case 96 are configured to protect theother devices in the wireless communication device 90. The first case 95can extend in the x-y plane. The first case 95 is configured to supportthe other devices. The first case 95 can be configured to support thewireless communication module 80. The wireless communication module 80is positioned on an upper surface 95A of the first case 95. The firstcase 95 is also capable of supporting the battery 91. The battery 91 ispositioned on the upper surface 95A of the first case 95. As an exampleof embodiments, on the upper surface 95A of the first case 95, thewireless communication module 80 and the battery 91 are arranged alongthe x direction. The first conductor 31 is positioned between thebattery 91 and the third conductor 40. The battery 91 is positionedbehind the pair conductors 30 when seen from the third conductor 40.

The second case 96 is capable of covering the other devices. The secondcase 96 has an under surface 96A positioned toward the z direction withrespect to the first antenna 60. The under surface 96A extends along thex-y plane. The under surface 96A is not limited to be flat, and can haveunevenness. The second case 96 can include an eighth conductor 961. Theeighth conductor 961 is positioned in the second case 96 on at leasteither the outer side or the inner side. The eighth conductor 961 ispositioned at least either on the upper surface of the second case 96 oron a lateral surface of the second case 96.

The eighth conductor 961 faces the first antenna 60. A first body 9611of the eighth conductor 961 faces the first antenna 60 in the zdirection. In addition to the first body 9611, the eighth conductor 961can include at least either a second body that faces the first antenna60 in the x direction, or a third body that faces the first antenna 60in the y direction. A part of the eighth conductor 961 faces the battery91.

The eighth conductor 961 can include a first extra-body 9612 thatextends toward the outer side in the x direction with respect to thefirst conductor 31. The eighth conductor 961 can include a secondextra-body 9613 that extends toward the outer side in the x directionwith respect to the second conductor 32. The first extra-body 9612 canbe configured to be electrically connected to the first body 9611. Thesecond extra-body 9613 can be configured to be electrically connected tothe first body 9611. The first extra-body 9612 of the eighth conductor961 faces the battery 91 in the z direction. The eighth conductor 961can be configured to be capacitively coupled with the battery 91. Theeighth conductor 961 can have capacitance between the eighth conductor961 and the battery 91.

The eighth conductor 961 is positioned away from the third conductor 40.The eighth conductor 961 is not electrically connected to the conductorsof the first antenna 60. The eighth conductor 961 can be positioned awayfrom the first antenna 60. The eighth conductor 961 can be configured tobe electromagnetically coupled with any conductor of the first antenna60. The first body 9611 of the eighth conductor 961 can be configured tobe capacitively coupled with the first antenna 60. In the planar viewfrom the z direction, the first body 9611 can overlap with the thirdconductor 40. Because of the overlapping of the first body 9611 and thethird conductor 40, propagation due to electromagnetic coupling can beincreased. The electromagnetic coupling between the eighth conductor 961and the third conductor 40 can serve as mutual inductance.

The eighth conductor 961 extends along the x direction. The eighthconductor 961 extends along the x-y plane. The length of the eighthconductor 961 is greater than the length of the first antenna 60 alongthe x direction. The length of the eighth conductor 961 along the xdirection is greater than the length of the first antenna 60 along the xdirection. The length of the eighth conductor 961 can be greater thanhalf of the operating wavelength λ of the wireless communication device90. The eighth conductor 961 can include a portion extending along the ydirection. The eighth conductor 961 can have a bend in the x-y plane.The eighth conductor 961 can include a portion extending in the zdirection. The eighth conductor 961 can have a bend from the x-y planeinto the y-z plane or the z-x plane.

In the wireless communication device 90 that includes the eighthconductor 961, the first antenna 60 and the eighth conductor 961 can beelectromagnetically coupled and can function as a third antenna 97. Anoperating frequency fc of the third antenna 97 can be different from theisolated resonance frequency of the first antenna 60. The operatingfrequency fc of the third antenna 97 can be closer to the resonancefrequency of the first antenna 60 than the isolated resonance frequencyof the eighth conductor 961. The operating frequency fc of the thirdantenna 97 can be within the resonance frequency band of the firstantenna 60. The operating frequency fc of the third antenna 97 can beoutside the isolated resonance frequency band of the eighth conductor961. In FIG. 89 is illustrated the third antenna 97 according to anotherembodiment. An eighth conductor 89-961 can be configured in anintegrated manner with a first antenna 89-60. In FIG. 89, someconfiguration of the wireless communication device 90 is notillustrated. In the example illustrated in FIG. 89, a second case 89-96need not include the eighth conductor 961.

In the wireless communication device 90, the eighth conductor 961 isconfigured to be capacitively coupled with the third conductor 40. Theeighth conductor 961 is configured to be electromagnetically coupledwith the fourth conductor 50. In the air, the third antenna 97 includesthe first extra-body 9612 and the second extra-body 9613, so that thereis enhancement in the gain as compared to the first antenna 60.

FIG. 90 is a planar view illustrating another example of the wirelesscommunication device 90. A wireless communication device 90-90 includesa conductive component 90-46. The conductive component 90-46 ispositioned on a ground conductor 90-811 of a circuit board 90-81. Theconductive component 90-46 is arranged along with a first antenna 90-60in the y direction. It is not limited to have only single conductivecomponent 90-46, and a plurality of conductive components 90-46 can bepositioned on the ground conductor 90-811.

FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another example ofthe wireless communication device 90. A wireless communication device91-90 illustrated in FIG. 91 includes a dielectric component 91-47. Thedielectric component 91-47 is positioned on a ground conductor 91-811 ofa circuit board 91-81. The dielectric component 91-47 is arranged alongwith a first antenna 91-60 in the y direction. As illustrated in FIG.91, some part of a second case 91-96 can be configured to function asthe dielectric component 91-47. In the wireless communication device91-90, the second case 91-96 can be treated as the dielectric component91-47.

The wireless communication device 90 can be positioned on variousobjects. The wireless communication device 90 can be positioned on anelectrical conductive body 99. FIG. 92 is a planar view illustrating awireless communication device 92-90 according to an embodiment. Aconductor 92-99 is a conductor that transmits electricity. The materialof the conductor 92-99 can be a metal, a high-dope semiconductor, anelectricity-conducting plastic, or a liquid including ions. Theconductor 92-99 can have a non-conductive layer that does not transmitselectricity on the surface. The portion that transmits electricity andthe non-conductive layer can include a common element. For example, theconductor 92-99 including aluminum can include a non-conductive layerhaving aluminum oxide on the surface. The portion that transmitselectricity and the non-conductive layer can include different elements.

The electrical conductive body 99 is not limited to have the shape of aflat plate, and can have a stereoscopic shape such as a box shape. Thestereoscopic shape of the electrical conductive body 99 can include acuboid and a circular cylinder. The stereoscopic shape can have somerecessed part, or some penetrated part, or some protruded part. Forexample, the electrical conductive body 99 can have a torus shape. Theelectrical conductive body 99 can have a hollow space inside. Theelectrical conductive body 99 can be a box having a space inside. Theelectrical conductive body 99 can be a cylindrical object having a spaceinside. The electrical conductive body 99 can be a tube having a spaceinside. The electrical conductive body 99 can be a pipe, a tube, or ahose.

The electrical conductive body 99 has an upper surface 99A on which thewireless communication device 90 can be mounted. The upper surface 99Acan extend across the entire face of the electrical conductive body 99.The upper surface 99A can be treated as a part of the electricalconductive body 99. The upper surface 99A can have a larger area thanthe area of the wireless communication device. The wirelesscommunication device 90 can be placed on the upper surface 99A of theelectrical conductive body 99. The upper surface 99A can have a smallerarea than the area of the wireless communication device 90. Some part ofthe wireless communication device 90 can be placed on the upper surface99A of the electrical conductive body 99. The wireless communicationdevice 90 can be placed on the upper surface 99A of the electricalconductive body 99 in various orientations. The orientation of thewireless communication device 90 can be arbitrary. The wirelesscommunication device 90 can be appropriately fixed to the upper surface99A of the electrical conductive body 99 using a holding fixture. Theholding fixture can be a surface fixture such as a double-faced adhesivetape or an adhesive agent. The holding fixture can be a point fixturesuch as a screw or a nail.

The upper surface 99A of the electrical conductive body 99 can include aportion extending along a j direction. The portion extending along the jdirection has a greater length along the j direction than the length ina k direction. The j and k directions are orthogonal to each other. Thej direction is the direction in which the electrical conductive body 99extends over a long distance. The k direction is the direction in whichthe electrical conductive body 99 has a smaller length than that in thej direction.

The wireless communication device 90 is placed on the upper surface 99Aof the electrical conductive body 99. The first antenna 60 is configuredto be electromagnetically coupled with the electrical conductive body 99so as to induce an electric current in the electrical conductive body99. The electrical conductive body 99 is configured to radiateelectromagnetic waves due to the induced current. Since the wirelesscommunication device 90 is placed thereon, the electrical conductivebody 99 is configured to function as a part of an antenna. In thewireless communication device 90, the direction of propagation changesdepending on the electrical conductive body 99.

The wireless communication device 90 can be placed on the upper surface99A in such a way that the x direction is in line with the j direction.The wireless communication device 90 can be placed on the upper surface99A to be in line with the x direction in which the first conductor 31and the second conductor 32 are arranged. At the time of positioning thewireless communication device 90 on the electrical conductive body 99,the first antenna 60 may be configured to be electromagnetically coupledwith the electrical conductive body 99. The fourth conductor 50 of thefirst antenna 60 is configured in such a way that the second electriccurrent is generated therein along the x direction. The electricalconductive body 99 that is electromagnetically coupled with the firstantenna 60 is configured in such a way that an electric current isinduced therein due to the second electric current. When the x directionof the first antenna 60 is in line with the j direction of theelectrical conductive body 99, the electric current flowing along the jdirection becomes large in the electrical conductive body 99. When the xdirection of the first antenna 60 is in line with the j direction of theelectrical conductive body 99, radiation attributed to the inducedelectric current become large in the electrical conductive body 99. Theangle of the x direction with respect to the j direction can be set tobe 45 degrees or less.

The ground conductor 811 of the wireless communication device 90 ispositioned away from the electrical conductive body 99. The wirelesscommunication device 90 can be placed on the upper surface 99A in suchway that the direction along the long side of the upper surface 99A isin line with the x direction in which the first conductor 31 and thesecond conductor 32 are arranged. The upper surface 99A can have arhombic shape or a circular shape, other than a rectangular shape. Theelectrical conductive body 99 can have a rhombic surface, which can betreated as the upper surface 99A on which the wireless communicationdevice 90 is placed. The wireless communication device 90 is placed onthe upper surface 99A in such a way that the direction along the longdiagonal side is in line with the x direction in which the firstconductor 31 and the second conductor 32 are arranged. The upper surface99A is not limited to be a flat surface. The upper surface 99A can haveunevenness. The upper surface 99A can be a curved surface. A curvedsurface can be a ruled surface. The curved surface can be a cylindricalsurface.

The electrical conductive body 99 extends in the x-y plane. Theelectrical conductive body 99 can have a greater length along the xdirection than the direction along the y direction. The length of theelectrical conductive body 99 along the y direction can be shorter thanhalf of the wavelength λc at the operating frequency fc of the thirdantenna 97. The wireless communication device 90 can be positioned onthe electrical conductive body 99. The electrical conductive body 99 ispositioned away from the fourth conductor 50 in the z direction. Theelectrical conductive body 99 has a greater length in the x direction ascompared to the fourth conductor 50. The electrical conductive body 99has a larger area in the x-y plane as compared to the fourth conductor50. The electrical conductive body 99 is positioned away from the groundconductor 811 in the z direction. The electrical conductive body 99 hasa greater length in the x direction as compared to the ground conductor811. The electrical conductive body 99 has a larger area in the x-yplane as compared to the ground conductor 811.

The wireless communication device 90 can be placed on the electricalconductive body 99 with such an orientation that the x direction, inwhich the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 are arranged,is in line with the direction in which the electrical conductive body 99extends long. In other words, the wireless communication device 90 canbe placed on the electrical conductive body 99 with such an orientationthat the direction of flow of electric current in the first antenna 60in the x-y plane is in line with the direction in which the electricalconductive body 99 extends long.

The first antenna 60 has a small change in the resonance frequency dueto the conductors of the circuit board 81. As a result of including thewireless communication device 90, the influence from the externalenvironment can be reduced in the wireless communication module 80.

In the wireless communication device 90, the ground conductor 811 isconfigured to be capacitively coupled with the electrical conductivebody 99. The wireless communication device 90 includes such a portion ofthe electrical conductive body 99 which extends more toward the outsidethan the third antenna 97, so that there is enhancement in the gain ascompared to the first antenna 60.

If n is an integer, the wireless communication device 90 can be attachedat the position of (2n−1)×λ/4 (an odd multiple of one-fourth of theoperating wavelength λ) from the leading end of the electricalconductive body 99. As a result of such positioning, a standing wave ofthe electric current is induced in the electrical conductive body 99.Due to the induced standing wave, the electrical conductive body 99becomes the source of radiation of electromagnetic waves. As a result ofsuch installation, the communication performance of the wirelesscommunication device 90 is enhanced.

In the wireless communication device 90, the resonance circuit in theair can be different from the resonance circuit on the conductor 99.FIG. 93 is a schematic circuit of a resonance structure in the air. FIG.94 is a schematic circuit of a resonance structure on the conductor 99.Herein, L3 represents the inductance of the resonator 10; L8 representsthe inductance of the eighth conductor 961; L9 represents the inductanceof the conductor 99; and M represents the mutual inductance of theinductances L3 and L8. C3 represents the capacitance of the thirdconductor 40; C4 represents the capacitance of the fourth conductor 50;C8 represents the capacitance of the eighth conductor 961; C8Brepresents the capacitance of the eighth conductor 961 and the battery91; and C9 represents the capacitance of the conductor 99 and the groundconductor 811. R3 represents the radiation resistance of the resonator10, and R8 represents the radiation resistance of the eighth conductor961. The operating frequency of the resonator 10 is lower than theresonance frequency of the eighth conductor. The wireless communicationdevice 90 is configured in such a way that, in the air, the groundconductor 811 functions as a chassis ground. The wireless communicationdevice 90 is configured in such a way that the fourth conductor 50 iscapacitively coupled with conductor 99. On the conductor 99, thewireless communication device 90 is configured in such a way that theconductor 99 functions as the substantive chassis ground.

According to embodiments, the wireless communication device 90 includesthe eighth conductor 961. The eighth conductor 961 is configured to beelectromagnetically coupled with the first antenna 60 and to becapacitively coupled with the fourth conductor 50. By increasing thecapacitance C8B attributed to capacitive coupling, the operatingfrequency can be increased when the wireless communication device 90 isplaced on the conductor 99 from the air. By increasing the mutualinductance M attributed to electromagnetic coupling, the operatingfrequency can be reduced when the wireless communication device 90 isplaced on the conductor 99 from the air. By varying the balance betweenthe capacitance C8B and the mutual inductance M, it becomes possible toadjust the change in the operating frequency when the wirelesscommunication device 90 is placed on the conductor 99 from the air. Byvarying the balance between the capacitance C8B and the mutualinductance M, it becomes possible to reduce the change in the operatingfrequency when the wireless communication device 90 is placed on theconductor 99 from the air.

The wireless communication device 90 includes the eighth conductor 961that is configured to be electromagnetically coupled with the thirdconductor 40 and be capacitively coupled with the fourth conductor 50.As a result of including the eighth conductor 961, it becomes possibleto adjust the changes in the operating frequency when the wirelesscommunication device 90 is placed on the conductor 99 from the air. As aresult of including the eighth conductor 961, it becomes possible toreduce the change in the operating frequency when the wirelesscommunication device 90 is placed on the conductor 99 from the air.

Likewise, the wireless communication device 90 that does not include theeighth conductor 961 is also configured in such a way that, in the air,the ground conductor 811 functions as a chassis ground. Likewise, on theconductor 99, the wireless communication device 90 that does not includethe eighth conductor 961 is configured in such a way that the conductor99 functions as the substantive chassis ground. The resonance structureincluding the resonator 10 is capable of oscillation even if the chassisground changes. This configuration corresponds to the fact that theresonator 10 including the reference potential layer 51 and theresonator 10 not including the reference potential layer 51 can performoscillation.

FIG. 95 is a planar view illustrating the wireless communication device90 according to an embodiment. A conductor 95-99 can include a throughhole 99 h. The through hole 99 h can include a portion extending in a pdirection. The through hole 99 h has a greater length in the p directionthan the length in a q direction. The p and q directions are orthogonalto each other. The p direction represents the direction in which theconductor 95-99 extends long. The q direction represents the directionin which the electrical conductive body 99 has a smaller length than inthe p direction. An r direction represents the direction orthogonal tothe p and q directions.

The wireless communication device 90 can be placed close to the throughhole 99 h of the electrical conductive body 99 in such a way that the xdirection is in line with the p direction. The wireless communicationdevice 90 can be placed close to the through hole 99 h of the electricalconductive body 99 to be in line with the x direction in which the firstconductor 31 and the second conductor 32 are arranged. At the time ofpositioning the wireless communication device 90 on the electricalconductive body 99, the first antenna 60 can be configured to beelectromagnetically coupled with the electrical conductive body 99. Thefourth conductor 50 of the first antenna 60 is configured in such a waythat the second current is generated along the x direction. Theelectrical conductive body 99 that is electromagnetically coupled withthe first antenna 60 is configured in such a way that an electriccurrent along the p direction is induced therein due to the secondcurrent. The induced current can flow along the through hole 99 h to thesurrounding. The electrical conductive body 99 is configured in such away that electromagnetic waves are radiated with the through hole 99 hserving as a slot. With the through hole 99 h serving as a slot, theelectromagnetic waves are radiated toward a second surface forming apair with a first surface on which the wireless communication device 90is placed.

When the x direction of the first antenna 60 and the p direction of theelectrical conductive body 99 are in line, there is an increase in theelectric current flowing in the electrical conductive body 99 along thep direction. When the x direction of the first antenna 60 and the pdirection of the electrical conductive body 99 are in line, there is anincrease in the radiation from the through hole 99 h of the electricalconductive body 99 attributed to the induced current. The angle of the xdirection with respect to the p direction can be set to be 45 degrees orless. When the length of the through hole 99 h along the p direction isequal to the operating wavelength at the operating frequency, there isan increase in the radiation of the electromagnetic waves. When λrepresents the operating wavelength and n represents an integer, if thethrough hole 99 h has the length of (n×λ)/2 along the p direction, thethrough hole functions as a slot antenna. Regarding the radiatedelectromagnetic waves, the radiation increases due to the standing waveinduced in the through hole. The wireless communication device 90 can bepositioned at the position of (m×λ)/2 from the end of the through holein the p direction. Herein, m is an integer equal to or greater thanzero and equal to or smaller than n. The wireless communication device90 can be positioned at a position closer than λ/4 from the throughhole.

FIG. 96 is a perspective view illustrating a wireless communicationdevice 96-90 according to an embodiment. FIG. 97A is a lateral view ofthe perspective view illustrated in FIG. 96. FIG. 97B is across-sectional view taken along XCVIIb-XCVIIb line illustrated in FIG.97A. The wireless communication device 96-90 is positioned on the innersurface of a cylindrical conductor 96-99. The conductor 96-99 includes athrough hole 96-99 h extending in the r direction. In the wirelesscommunication device 96-90, the r direction and the x direction are inline in the vicinity of the through hole 96-99 h.

FIG. 98 is a perspective view illustrating a wireless communicationdevice 98-90 according to an embodiment. FIG. 99 is a cross-sectionalview of the vicinity of the wireless communication device 98-90illustrated in the perspective view in FIG. 98. The wirelesscommunication device 98-90 is positioned on the inner surface of aconductor 98-99 having a rectangular cylindrical shape. The conductor98-99 has a through hole 98-99 h extending in the r direction. In thewireless communication device 98-90, the r direction and the x directionare in line in the vicinity of the through hole 98-99 h.

FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a wireless communication device 100-90according to an embodiment. The wireless communication device 100-90 ispositioned on the inner surface of a cuboid conductor 100-99. Theconductor 100-99 has a through hole 100-99 h extending in the rdirection. In the wireless communication device 100-90, the r directionand the x direction are in line in the vicinity of the through hole100-99 h.

In the resonator 10 placed on the electrical conductive body 99 for use,at least a part of the fourth conductor 50 can be omitted. The resonator10 includes the base 20 and the pair conductors 30. In FIG. 101 isillustrated an example of a resonator 101-10 that does not include thefourth conductor 50. FIG. 102 is a planar view when the resonator 10 isviewed in such a way that the far side of the drawing represents the +zdirection. In FIG. 103 is illustrated an example in which a resonancestructure is formed by placing a resonator 103-10 on a conductor 103-99.FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view taken along CIV-CIV line illustratedin FIG. 103. The resonator 103-10 is attached on the conductor 103-99via an attachment member 103-98. The resonator 10 not including thefourth conductor 50 is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS.101 to 104. The resonator 10 not including the fourth conductor 50 isnot limited to the resonator 18-10 from which a fourth conductor 18-50is omitted. The resonator 10 not including the fourth conductor 50 canbe obtained by omitting the fourth conductor 50 from the resonator 10illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 64.

The base 20 can have the cavity 20 a inside. In FIG. 105 is illustratedan example of a resonator 105-10 in which a base 105-20 has a cavity105-20 a. FIG. 105 is a planar view when the resonator 105-10 is viewedin such a way that the far side of the drawing represents the +zdirection. In FIG. 106 is illustrated an example of a resonancestructure formed by placing a resonator 106-10, which has a cavity106-20 a, on a conductor 106-99. FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional viewtaken along CVII-CVII line illustrated in FIG. 106. In the z direction,the cavity 106-20 a is positioned between a third conductor 106-40 andthe conductor 106-99. The permittivity in the cavity 106-20 a is lowerthan the permittivity of a base 106-20. Since the base 106-20 includesthe cavity 20 a, the electromagnetic distance between the thirdconductor 106-40 and the conductor 106-99 can be shortened. Theresonator 10 including the cavity 20 a is not limited to the resonatorsillustrated in FIGS. 105 to 107. The resonator 10 including the cavity20 a can be the structure in which the fourth conductor is omitted fromthe resonator illustrated in FIG. 19B and in which the base 20 includesthe cavity 20 a. The resonator 10 including the cavity 20 a can beobtained by omitting the fourth conductor 50 from the resonator 10illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 64 and by including the cavity 20 a in thebase 20.

The base 20 can include the cavity 20 a. In FIG. 108 is illustrated anexample of a wireless communication module 108-80 in which a base 108-20includes a cavity 108-20 a. FIG. 108 is a planar view when the wirelesscommunication module 108-80 is viewed in such a way that the far side ofthe drawing represents the +z direction. In FIG. 109 is illustrated aresonance structure formed by placing a wireless communication module109-80, which includes a cavity 109-20 a, on a conductor 109-99. FIG.110 is a cross-sectional view taken along CX-CX line illustrated in FIG.109. The wireless communication module 80 can be configured such thatelectronic devices is housed in the cavity 20 a. The electronic devicesinclude a processor and sensors. The electronic devices include the RFmodule 82. The wireless communication module 80 can be configured suchthat the RF module 82 is housed in the cavity 20 a. The RF module 82 canbe positioned in the cavity 20 a. The RF module 82 is connected to thethird conductors 40 via the first feeding line 61. The base 20 caninclude a ninth conductor 62 that guides the reference potential of theRF module toward the electrical conductive body 99.

In the wireless communication module 80, a part of the fourth conductor50 can be omitted. The cavity 20 a can be exposed to the outside fromthe omitted part of the fourth conductor 50. In FIG. 111 is illustratedan example of a wireless communication module 111-80 in which a part ofthe fourth conductor 50 is omitted. FIG. 111 is a planar view when theresonator 10 is viewed in such a way that the far side of the drawingrepresents the +z direction. In FIG. 112 is illustrated an example of aresonance structure formed by placing a wireless communication module112-80, which includes a cavity 112-20 a, on a conductor 112-99. FIG.113 is a cross-sectional view taken along CXIII-CXIII line illustratedin FIG. 112.

The wireless communication module 80 can include a fourth base 25 in thecavity 20 a. The fourth base 25 can include a resin material in itscomposition. The resin material can include a material obtained bycuring an uncured material such as be an epoxy resin, a polyester resin,a polyimide resin, a polyamide-imide resin, a polyetherimide resin, anda liquid crystal polymer. In FIG. 114 is illustrated an example of astructure that includes a fourth base 114-25 in a cavity 114-20 a.

An attachment member 98 includes a member having stickiness on bothfaces of the base material, an organic material that is cured orsemi-cured, a soldering material, or a biasing mechanism. The memberhaving stickiness on both faces of the base material can be called, forexample, a double-faced adhesive tape. An organic material that is curedor semi-cured can be called, for example, an adhesive agent. The biasingmechanism includes screws and bands. The attachment member 98 can be aconductive member or a nonconductive member. The attachment member 98 ofthe conductive type can be a material having the conductive property ora member including a high proportion of a conductive material.

When the attachment member is nonconductive in nature, the pairconductors 30 of the resonator 10 are configured to be capacitivelycoupled with the electrical conductive body 99. In that case, in theresonator 10, the pair conductors 30 and the third conductors 40 alongwith the electrical conductive body 99 serve as a resonance circuit. Inthat case, the unit structure of the resonator 10 can include the base20, the third conductor 40, the attachment member 98, and the electricalconductive body 99.

When the attachment member 98 is conductive in nature, the pairconductors 30 of the resonator 10 are configured to be conductive viathe attachment member 98. By attaching the attachment member 98 to theelectrical conductive body 99, the resistance value decreases. In thatcase, as illustrated in FIG. 115, if pair conductors 115-30 face theoutside in the x direction, the resistance value between the pairconductors 115-30 via a conductor 115-99 decreases. In that case, in aresonator 115-10, the pair conductors 115-30 and a third conductor115-40 along with an attachment member 115-98 serve as a resonancecircuit. In that case, the unit structure of the resonator 115-10 caninclude a base 115-20, the third conductor 115-40, and the attachmentmember 115-98.

When the attachment member 98 is a biasing mechanism, the resonator 10is pressed from the side of the third conductor 40 and abuts against theelectrical conductive body 99. In that case, as an example, the pairconductors 30 of the resonator 10 are configured to make contact withthe electrical conductive body 99 and perform conduction. In that case,as an example, the pair conductors 30 of the resonator 10 are configuredto be capacitively coupled with the electrical conductive body 99. Inthat case, in the resonator 10, the pair conductors and the thirdconductor 40 along with the electrical conductive body 99 serve as aresonance circuit. In that case, the unit structure of the resonator 10can include the base 20, the third conductor 40, and the electricalconductive body 99.

In general, when a conductor or a dielectric body approaches an antenna,the resonance frequency changes. If the resonance frequency undergoes asignificant change, the actual gain of the antenna at the operatingfrequency changes. In an antenna used in the air or an antenna used bymoving a conductor or a dielectric body close to it, the change in theactual gain attributed to the change in the resonance frequency may bemade small.

In the resonator 10, the third conductor 40 and the fourth conductor 50can have different lengths in the y direction. Herein, when a pluralityof unit conductors is arranged in the y direction, the length of thethird conductor 40 in the y direction represents the distance betweenthe outside ends of the two unit conductors positioned at both ends inthe y direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 116, the length of a fourth conductor 116-50 canbe greater than the length of the third conductor 40. The fourthconductor 116-50 includes a first extension part 50 a and a secondextension part 50 b that extend toward the outside from the ends in they direction of the third conductor 40. In the planar view in the zdirection, the first extension part 50 a and the second extension part50 b are positioned on the outside of the third conductor 40. A base116-20 can extend up to the end in the y direction of the thirdconductor 40. The base 116-20 can extend to between the end of the thirdconductor 40 and the end of the fourth conductor 116-50 in the ydirection.

In a resonator 116-10, when the length of the fourth conductor 116-50 isgreater than the length of the third conductor 40, there is a decreasein the change in the resonance frequency when a conductor moves closerto the outside of the fourth conductor 116-50. In the resonator 116-10,when λ₁ represents the operating wavelength, if the length of the fourthconductor 116-50 is greater than the length of the third conductor 40 by0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the resonance frequency in the operatingfrequency band is decreased. In the resonator 116-10, when λ₁ representsthe operating wavelength, if the length of the fourth conductor 116-50is greater than the length of the third conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more,the change in the actual gain at the operating frequency f₁ isdecreased. In the resonator 116-10, when the total of the length of thefirst extension part 50 a and the length of the second extension part 50b along the y direction is greater than the length of the thirdconductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain at theoperating frequency f₁ is decreased. The total of the length of thefirst extension part 50 a and the length of the second extension part 50b along the y direction corresponds to the difference between the lengthof the fourth conductor 116-50 and the length of the third conductor 40.

In the resonator 116-10, in the planar view from the reverse zdirection, the fourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides of thethird conductor 40 in the y direction. In the resonator 116-10, if thefourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides of the third conductor40 in the y direction, there is a decrease in the change in theresonance frequency when a conductor moves closer to the outside of thefourth conductor 116-50. In the resonator 116-10, when λ₁ represents theoperating wavelength, if the fourth conductor 116-50 extends toward bothsides of the third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more, the change in theresonance frequency in the operating frequency band is decreased. In theresonator 116-10, when λ₁ represents the operating wavelength, if thefourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides of the third conductor40 by 0.025λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain at the operatingfrequency f₁ is decreased. In the resonator 116-10, if the length of thefirst extension part 50 a in the y direction as well as the length ofthe second extension part 50 b in the y direction is equal to or greaterthan 0.025λ₁, the change in the actual gain at the operating frequencyf₁ is decreased.

In the resonator 116-10, when λ₁ represents the operating wavelength, ifthe fourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides of the thirdconductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more and when the length of the fourthconductor 116-50 is greater than the length of the third conductor 40 by0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the resonance frequency in the operatingfrequency band is decreased. In the resonator 116-10, when λ₁ representsthe operating wavelength, if the fourth conductor 116-50 extends towardboth sides of the third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more and when thelength of the fourth conductor 116-50 is greater than the length of thethird conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain inthe operating frequency band is decreased. In the resonator 116-10, whenthe total of the length of the first extension part 50 a and the lengthof the second extension part 50 b along the y direction is greater thanthe length of the third conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more and when thelength of the first extension part 50 a in the y direction as well asthe length of the second extension part 50 b in the y direction is equalto or greater than 0.025λ₁, the change in the actual gain at theoperating frequency f₁ is decreased.

In a first antenna 116-60, the length of the fourth conductor 116-50 canbe greater than the length of the third conductor 40. In the firstantenna 116-60, when the length of the fourth conductor 116-50 isgreater than the length of the third conductor 40, there is a decreasein the change in the resonance frequency when a conductor moves closerto the outside of the fourth conductor 116-50. In the first antenna116-60, when λ₁ represents the operating wavelength, if the length ofthe fourth conductor 116-50 is greater than the length of the thirdconductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the resonance frequencyin the operating frequency band is decreased. In the first antenna116-60, when λ₁ represents the operating wavelength, if the length ofthe fourth conductor 116-50 is greater than the length of the thirdconductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain at theoperating frequency f₁ is decreased. In the first antenna 116-60, whenthe total of the length of the first extension part 50 a and the lengthof the second extension part 50 b along the y direction is greater thanthe length of the third conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change inthe actual gain at the operating frequency f₁ is decreased. The total ofthe length of the first extension part 50 a and the length of the secondextension part 50 b along the y direction corresponds to the differencebetween the length of the fourth conductor 116-50 and the length of thethird conductor 40.

In the first antenna 116-60, in the planar view from the reverse zdirection, the fourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides of thethird conductor 40 in the y direction. In the first antenna 116-60, ifthe fourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides of the thirdconductor 40 in the y direction, there is a decrease in the change inthe resonance frequency when a conductor moves closer to the outside ofthe fourth conductor 116-50. In the first antenna 116-60, when λ₁represents the operating wavelength, if the fourth conductor 116-50extends toward both sides of the third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more,the change in the resonance frequency in the operating frequency band isdecreased. In the first antenna 116-60, when λ₁ represents the operatingwavelength, if the fourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides ofthe third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gainat the operating frequency f₁ is decreased. In the first antenna 116-60,if the length of the first extension part 50 a in the y direction aswell as the length of the second extension part 50 b in the y directionis equal to or greater than 0.025λ₁, the change in the actual gain atthe operating frequency f₁ is decreased.

In the first antenna 116-60, when λ₁ represents the operatingwavelength, if the fourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides ofthe third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more and if the length of thefourth conductor 116-50 is greater than the length of the thirdconductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the resonance frequencyin the operating frequency band is decreased. In the first antenna116-60, when λ₁ represents the operating wavelength, if the fourthconductor 116-50 extends toward both sides of the third conductor 40 by0.025λ₁ or more and if the length of the fourth conductor 116-50 isgreater than the length of the third conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more,the change in the actual gain in the operating frequency band isdecreased. In the first antenna 116-60, when λ₁ represents the operatingwavelength, if the fourth conductor 116-50 extends toward both sides ofthe third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more and if the length of thefourth conductor 116-50 is greater than the length of the thirdconductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain at theoperating frequency f₁ is decreased. In the first antenna 116-60, if thetotal of the length of the first extension part 50 a and the length ofthe second extension part 50 b along the y direction is greater than thelength of the third conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more and if the length ofthe first extension part 50 a in the y direction as well as the lengthof the second extension part 50 b in the y direction is equal to orgreater than 0.025λ₁, the change in the actual gain at the operatingfrequency f₁ is decreased.

As illustrated in FIG. 117, in a wireless communication module 117-80, afirst antenna 117-60 is positioned on a ground conductor 117-811 of acircuit board 117-81. A fourth conductor 117-50 of the first antenna117-60 is configured to be electrically connected to the groundconductor 117-811. The length of the ground conductor 117-811 is greaterthan the length of the third conductor 40. The ground conductor 117-811includes a third extension part 811 a and a fourth extension part 811 bthat extend toward the outside from the ends in the y direction of aresonator 117-10. In the planar view from the z direction, the thirdextension part 811 a and the fourth extension part 811 b are positionedon the outside of the third conductor 40. In the wireless communicationmodule 117-80, the length of the first antenna 117-60 in the y directioncan be different from the length of the ground conductor 117-811 in they direction. In the wireless communication module 117-80, the length ofthe third conductor 40 of the first antenna 117-60 in the y directioncan be different from the length of the ground conductor 117-811 in they direction.

In the wireless communication module 117-80, the length of the groundconductor 117-811 can be greater than the length of the third conductor40. In the wireless communication module 117-80, if the length of theground conductor 117-811 is greater than the length of the thirdconductor 40, there is a decrease in the change in the resonancefrequency when a conductor moves closer to the outside of the groundconductor 117-811. In the wireless communication module 117-80, when λ₁represents the operating wavelength, if the length of the groundconductor 117-811 is greater than the length of the third conductor 40by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the resonance frequency in theoperating frequency band is decreased. In the wireless communicationmodule 117-80, when λ₁ represents the operating wavelength, if thelength of the ground conductor 117-811 is greater than the length of thethird conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain atthe operating frequency f₁ is decreased. In the wireless communicationmodule 117-80, if the total of the length of the third extension part811 a and the length of the fourth extension part 811 b along the ydirection is greater than the length of the third conductor 40 by0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain at the operatingfrequency f₁ is decreased. The total of the length of the thirdextension part 811 a and the length of the fourth extension part 811 balong the y direction corresponds to the difference between the lengthof the ground conductor 117-811 and the length of the third conductor40.

In the wireless communication module 117-80, in the planar view from thereverse z direction, the ground conductor 117-811 extends toward bothsides of the third conductor 40 in the y direction. In the wirelesscommunication module 117-80, if the ground conductor 117-811 extendstoward both sides of the third conductor 40 in the y direction, there isa decrease in the change in the resonance frequency when a conductormoves closer to the outside of the ground conductor 117-811. In thewireless communication module 117-80, when λ₁ represents the operatingwavelength, if the ground conductor 117-811 extends toward both sides ofthe third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more, the change in the resonancefrequency in the operating frequency band is decreased. In the wirelesscommunication module 117-80, when λ₁ represents the operatingwavelength, if the ground conductor 117-811 extends toward both sides ofthe third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gainat the operating frequency f₁ is decreased. In the wirelesscommunication module 117-80, if the length of the third extension part811 a in the y direction as well as the length of the fourth extensionpart 811 b in the y direction is equal to or greater than 0.025λ₁, thechange in the actual gain at the operating frequency f₁ is decreased.

In the wireless communication module 117-80, when λ₁ represents theoperating wavelength, if the ground conductor 117-811 extends towardboth sides of the third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more and if thelength of the ground conductor 117-811 is greater than the length of thethird conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the resonancefrequency in the operating frequency band is decreased. In the wirelesscommunication module 117-80, when λ₁ represents the operatingwavelength, if the ground conductor 117-811 extends toward both sides ofthe third conductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more and if the length of theground conductor 117-811 is greater than the length of the thirdconductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain in theoperating frequency band is decreased. In the wireless communicationmodule 117-80, when λ₁ represents the operating wavelength, if theground conductor 117-811 extends toward both sides of the thirdconductor 40 by 0.025λ₁ or more and if the length of the groundconductor 117-811 is greater than the length of the third conductor 40by 0.075λ₁ or more, the change in the actual gain at the operatingfrequency f₁ is decreased. In the wireless communication module 117-80,when the total of the length of the third extension part 811 a and thelength of the fourth extension part 811 b along the y direction isgreater than the length of the third conductor 40 by 0.075λ₁ or more andwhen the length of the third extension part 811 a in the y direction aswell as the length of the fourth extension part 811 b in the y directionis equal to or greater than 0.025λ₁, the change in the actual gain atthe operating frequency f₁ is decreased.

A simulation was performed to check the change in the resonancefrequency in the operating frequency of the first antenna. As a modelfor the simulation, a resonance structure was adapted in which the firstantenna was placed on the first surface of a circuit board having aground conductor installed on the first surface. FIG. 118 is aperspective view of the conductor shape of the first antenna used in thesimulation explained below. The first antenna had the length of 13.6(mm) in the x direction, the length of 7 (mm) in the y direction, andthe length of 1.5 (mm) in the z direction. The difference was checkedbetween the resonance frequency of the resonance structure in the freespace and the resonance frequency in the case of placing the resonancestructure on a metallic plate having 100 (square millimeter (mm²)).

In the model for a first simulation, the first antenna was placed at thecenter of the ground conductor and, while sequentially varying thelength of the ground conductor in the y direction, the differencebetween the resonance frequency in the free space and the resonancefrequency on the metallic plate was compared. In the model for the firstsimulation, the length of the ground conductor in the x direction wasfixed to 0.13 λs. Although the resonance frequency of the free spacechanged depending on the length of the ground conductor in the ydirection, the resonance frequency in the operating frequency band ofthe resonance structure was in the vicinity of 2.5 (gigahertz (GHz)).Herein, λs represents the wavelength at 2.5 (GHz). The result of thefirst simulation is given below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 (mm) (GHz) 9 0.041 11 0.028 13 0.018 15 0.011 17 0.010 19 0.00921 0.010 23 0.006 25 0.006 30 0.008 60 0.007

In FIG. 119 is illustrated a graph corresponding to the result givenabove in Table 1. In FIG. 119, the horizontal axis represents thedifference between the length of the ground conductor and the length ofthe first antenna; and the vertical axis represents the differencebetween the resonance frequency in the free space and the resonancefrequency on the metallic plate. From the graph illustrated in FIG. 119,a first linear region is assumed in which the variation in the resonancefrequency is expressed as y=a₁x+b₁; and a second linear region isassumed in which the variation in the resonance frequency is expressedas y=c₁. Then, from the result given above in Table 1; a₁, b₁, and c₁were calculated according to the least square method. As a result of thecalculation, a₁=−0.600, b₁=0.052, and c₁=0.008 were obtained. The pointof intersection of the first linear region and the second linear regionwas at 0.0733λs. From such facts, it was understood that, when thelength of the ground conductor is greater than the length of the firstantenna by more than 0.0733λs, the change in the resonance frequency isdecreased.

In the model for a second simulation, while sequentially varying theposition of the first antenna from the end of the ground conductor inthe y direction, the difference between the resonance frequency in thefree space and the resonance frequency on the metallic plate wascompared. In the model for the second simulation, the length of theground conductor in the y direction was fixed to 25 (mm). Although theresonance frequency changed depending on the position on the groundconductor, the resonance frequency in the operating frequency band ofthe resonance structure was in the vicinity of 2.5 (GHz). Herein, λsrepresents the wavelength at 2.5 (GHz). The result of the secondsimulation is given below in Table 2.

TABLE 2 (λ) (GHz) 0.004 0.033 0.013 0.019 0.021 0.013 0.029 0.012 0.0380.010 0.046 0.008 0.054 0.010 0.071 0.006

In FIG. 120 is illustrated a graph corresponding to the result givenabove in Table 2. In FIG. 120, the horizontal axis represents theposition of the first antenna from the end of the ground conductor; andthe vertical axis represents the difference between the resonancefrequency in the free space and the resonance frequency on the metallicplate. From the graph illustrated in FIG. 120, the first linear regionis assumed in which the variation in the resonance frequency isexpressed as y=a₂x+b₂; and the second linear region is assumed in whichthe variation in the resonance frequency is expressed as y=c₂. Then, a₂,b₂, and c₂ were calculated according to the least square method. As aresult of the calculation; a₂=−1.200, b₂=0.034, and c₂=0.009 wereobtained. The point of intersection of the first linear region and thesecond linear region was at 0.0227λs. From such facts, it was understoodthat, when the first antenna is positioned on the inside by more than0.0227λs from the end of the ground conductor, the change in theresonance frequency is decreased.

In the model for a third simulation, while sequentially varying theposition of the first antenna from the end of the ground conductor inthe y direction, the difference between the resonance frequency in thefree space and the resonance frequency on the metallic plate wascompared. In the model for the third simulation, the length of theground conductor in the y direction was fixed to 15 (mm). In the modelfor the third simulation, the total of the lengths of the groundconductor extending on the outside of the resonator in the y directionwas set 0.075λs. In the third simulation, the ground conductor isshorter than in the second simulation, and fluctuation in the resonancefrequency is easier to occur. Although the resonance frequency changeddepending on the position on the ground conductor, the resonancefrequency in the operating frequency band of the resonance structure wasin the vicinity of 2.5 (GHz). Herein, λs represents the wavelength at2.5 (GHz). The result of the third simulation is given below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 (λ) (GHz) 0.004 0.032 0.014 0.023 0.025 0.014 0.035 0.014 0.0410.014

In FIG. 121 is illustrated a graph corresponding to the result givenabove in Table 3. In FIG. 121, the horizontal axis represents theposition of the first antenna from the end of the ground conductor; andthe vertical axis represents the difference between the resonancefrequency in the free space and the resonance frequency on the metallicplate. From the graph illustrated in FIG. 121, the first linear regionis assumed in which the variation in the resonance frequency isexpressed as y=a₃x+b₃; and the second linear region is assumed in whichthe variation in the resonance frequency is expressed as y=c₃. Then, a₃,b₃, and c₃ were calculated according to the least square method. As aresult of the calculation; a₃=−0.878, b₃=0.036, and c₃=0.014 wereobtained. The point of intersection of the first linear region and thesecond linear region was at 0.0247λs. From such facts, it was understoodthat, when the first antenna is positioned on the inside by more than0.0247λs from the end of the ground conductor, the change in theresonance frequency is decreased.

From the result of the third simulation in which the conditions aretougher than in the second simulation; it was understood that, when thefirst antenna is positioned on the inside by more than 0.025λs from theend of the ground conductor, the change in the resonance frequency isdecreased.

In the first simulation, the second simulation, and the thirdsimulation; the length of the ground conductor along the y direction isset to be greater than the length of the third conductor along the ydirection. In the resonator 10, even if the length of the fourthconductor along the y direction is set to be greater than the length ofthe third conductor along the y direction, it is still possible toreduce the change in the resonance frequency when a conductor is movedcloser to the resonator from the side of the fourth conductor. When thelength of the fourth conductor along the y direction is greater than thelength of the third conductor along the y direction, even if the groundconductor and the circuit board are omitted, the change in the resonancefrequency in the resonator can be reduced.

The resonator 10 constitutes a structure (resonance structure) that ismounted on a mounting board 100 and that resonates. The resonancestructure can function as an antenna when it includes a feeding line(the first feeding line 61) connected to the third conductor 40. On themounting board 100, an RF module that is configured to be electricallyconnected to an antenna can be mounted. By mounting an RF module on themounting board 100, it becomes possible to implement a communicationmodule including the antenna and the RF module. On the mounting board100, a battery that is configured to supply electric power to thecommunication module can be mounted. By mounting a battery on themounting board 100, it becomes possible to implement a wirelesscommunication device including the communication module and the battery.

FIG. 122 is a perspective view for explaining the hierarchical structureof a resonator 122-10 according to embodiments that is mounted on amounting board 122-100. The resonator 122-10 includes a first resistlayer 122-44 a, a metallic layer 122-101, a first prepreg layer 122-43a, a core layer 122-200, a second conductive layer 122-42, a secondprepreg layer 122-43 b, a first conductive layer 122-41, and a secondresist layer 122-44 b in that buildup sequence. In the resonator 122-10,a partial area of the metallic layer 122-101 (including first areasdescribed later), which are exposed to the outside via a plurality ofthrough holes of the first resist layer 122-44 a, are connected to themounting board 122-100 using solder.

As illustrated in FIG. 122, the mounting board 122-100 faces themetallic layer 122-101 with a distance therebetween. The mounting board122-100 has an upper surface on which the resonator 122-10 is mounted,an under surface on the opposite side of the upper surface, and aplurality of through holes (second through holes 122-100 a) formed fromthe upper surface up to the under surface. As explained above, themetallic layer 122-101 that is exposed to the outside via a plurality ofthrough holes can be configured to be electrically connected to themounting board 122-100 using solder. If the through holes formed on theresonator 122-10 overlap with the second through holes 122-100 a, thesolder enters the second through holes 122-100 a and this leads to adecrease in the quantity of the solder. If there are portions in whichthe quantity of solder has partially decreased, it may cause developmentof portions that are vulnerable to stress and may cause a decline in theadhesion force. Hence, in order to prevent a decline in the mountingstrength, the resonator 122-10 in may be mounted such a way that aplurality of through holes formed thereon do not overlap with any of aplurality of second through holes 122-100 a formed on the mounting board122-100.

The resonator 122-10 includes through hole conductors. As illustrated inFIG. 122, on a first conductor 122-31 and a second conductor 122-32 ofthe resonator 122-10, semicircular end-face through holes having arecess that is recessed toward the center in the first direction (the xdirection) are formed. That is, the first conductor 122-31 and thesecond conductor 122-32 expand along the recesses.

The first resist layer 122-44 a and the second resist layer 122-44 b arelayers of a resist that is a dielectric body. As explained above, thefirst resist layer 122-44 a has a plurality of through holes formedthereon. The second resist layer 122-44 b does not have through holesformed thereon. Examples of the resist include epoxy-based resin,polyimide, BCB (benzocyclobutene), and acrylic resin. Regarding thethrough holes, the detailed explanation is given later. Meanwhile, thesecond resist layer 122-44 b too can have through holes formed thereon.Those through holes can be used in, for example, establishing electricconnection of the impedance elements 45 with the first conductive layer122-41.

The metallic layer 122-101 is a conductive layer and includes a fourthconductor 122-50 and a first feeding line 122-61. The fourth conductor122-50 is configured to function as the ground conductor in theresonator 122-10. The first feeding line 122-61 is configured to feedelectric power to a third conductor 122-40. The first feeding line122-61 includes a first constituting part 122-61 a extending along thefirst direction (the x direction), and a second constituent partextending along the second direction (the z direction). The metalliclayer 122-101 includes the first constituting part 122-61 a of the firstfeeding line 122-61. The first constituting part 122-61 a of the firstfeeding line 122-61 faces the mounting board 122-100 with a distancetherebetween. Since the first constituting part 122-61 a of the firstfeeding line 122-61 and the mounting board 122-100 have a gap (an airgap) therebetween except at the soldered portions, it becomes possibleto reduce the power loss.

The first prepreg layer 122-43 a, the core layer 122-200, and the secondprepreg layer 122-43 b are dielectric body layers that constitute a base122-20. The first prepreg layer 122-43 a, the core layer 122-200, andthe second prepreg layer 122-43 b can have the composition including aresin material and a fiber component. The fiber component can be made ofa glass cloth and a cover placed on the upper surface of the glasscloth. Examples of a glass cloth include a fabric cloth or a non-wovenfabric made of a glass fiber. The glass fiber can contain at least oneof the following glass materials: E glass, D glass, S glass, NE glass, Lglass, T glass, and quartz glass. In the example illustrated in FIG.122, the first prepreg layer 122-43 a and the second prepreg layer122-43 b have the same composition of the resin material and the fibercomponent. Herein, the first prepreg layer 122-43 a and the secondprepreg layer 122-43 b are collectively referred to as a firstdielectric layer. For example, the core layer 122-200 can include afiber component having a greater diameter than the diameter of the fibercomponent of the first dielectric layer.

The first conductive layer 122-41 and the second conductive layer 122-42are conductive layers included in the third conductor 122-40. The secondconductive layer 122-42 can be configured to be capacitively coupledwith the first conductive layer 122-41.

FIG. 123 is a planar view of the resonator 122-10 illustrated in FIG.122. In FIG. 123, the first resist layer 122-44 a and the metallic layer122-101 are illustrated. The first resist layer 122-44 a is transparentin nature, and the metallic layer 122-101 is illustrated through thefirst resist layer 122-44 a. The first resist layer 122-44 a coversalmost entirely the surface, which faces the mounting board 122-100, ofthe metallic layer 122-101. However, as illustrated in FIG. 123, thefirst resist layer 122-44 a has through holes 122-120 a formed thereon.On the metallic layer 122-101, the fourth conductor 122-50 includes aplurality of first areas 122-111 that are exposed to the outside via thethrough holes 122-120 a formed on the first resist layer 122-44 a. Thefirst resist layer 122-44 a has a through hole 122-120 b meant for thefirst feeding line 122-61. On the metallic layer, the first feeding line122-61 has an area that is exposed to the outside via one through hole122-120 b. The first resist layer 122-44 a does not cover second areas122-112, which are end portions of the end-face through holes in thefourth conductor 122-50. That is, the first resist layer 122-44 aextends on the first conductor 122-31 and the second conductor 122-32,excluding the second areas 122-112 in the first conductor 122-31 and thesecond conductor 122-32. The fourth conductor 122-50 is exposed to theoutside not only via a plurality of first areas 122-111 but also via thesecond areas 122-112. The first areas 122-111 and the second areas122-112 are arranged along the first plane (the x-y plane). Since noresist is applied on the second areas 122-112, a plurality of firstareas 122-111 as well as the second areas 122-112 can be soldered to themounting board 122-100. That results in an enhancement in the adhesionlevel of the solder at the time of mounting the resonator 122-10.

As illustrated in FIG. 123, in the first direction, the cross-sectionalsurfaces of the end-face through holes are more on the outside than thethrough holes 122-120 a and the through hole 122-120 b, which is meantfor the first feeding line 122-61. Hence, the first feeding line 122-61is soldered to the mounting board 122-100 more on the inside than thesecond areas 122-112 in the first direction. For example, when a forceis exerted in the end portions on both sides of the resonator 122-10 inthe first direction, in the inside portion of the through hole 122-120b, the intensity of the stress is reduced as compared to the endportions on both sides. That results in an enhancement in thereliability of the mounting of the resonator 122-10. In order to ensurethat the through holes 122-120 a are positioned more on the inside; inthe first direction, a distance L2 from the cross-sectional surfaces ofthe end-face through holes to the respective nearest through holes122-120 a may be set to be greater than a distance L1 between theneighboring through holes 122-120 a.

In the first resist layer 122-44 a, the area of the through hole 122-120b, which is meant for the first feeding line 122-61, may be set to begreater than the area of the through holes 122-120 a. Greater the areaof the through hole 122-120 b, the smaller becomes the resist coveringthe first feeding line 122-61, which enables achieving reduction in thedielectric loss.

FIG. 124 is a perspective view of the resonator 122-10 illustrated inFIG. 122. The resonator 122-10 includes the base 122-20 that has: afirst surface and a second surface that are parallel to the first plane(the x-y plane); a third surface and a fourth surface that are parallelto the second plane (the y-z plane) orthogonal to the first plane; and afifth surface and a sixth surface that are parallel to the third plane(the z-x plane) orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane. InFIG. 124 are illustrated the first resist layer 122-44 a and themetallic layer 122-101 that expand along the second surface of the base122-20. In an identical manner to FIG. 123, the metallic layer 122-101is illustrated through the first resist layer 122-44 a. In FIG. 124 isillustrated the second conductor 122-32 that expands along the fourthplane and extends along the second direction (the z direction). Herein,the first conductor 122-31, which expands along the third surface andextends along the second direction, has the same configuration as theconfiguration of the second conductor 122-32. The first conductor 122-31and the second conductor 122-32 include third areas 122-113 that areportions extending along the second direction. The third areas 122-113are exposed to the exterior space. The third areas 122-113 are areascontinuous to the second areas 122-112. The second areas 122-112 and thethird areas 122-113 constitute the end-face through holes in the firstconductor 122-31 and the second conductor 122-32. Herein, the secondareas 122-112 and the third areas 122-113 include a plurality of areas(for example, three areas on one surface) along the third direction (they direction).

Each third area 122-113 has a curved surface centered on the seconddirection. Thus, with only a small number of the end-face through holes,the area of the y-z plane can be increased. Herein, the RF module thatis mountable on the mounting board 122-100 includes, for example, apower amplifier that amplifies RF signals. In general, a power amplifierradiates a large amount of heat. In the resonator 122-10, the heattransmitted from the power amplifier via the fourth conductor 122-50,which is the ground conductor, can be efficiently released from theend-face through holes that have a large surface area.

If the end-face through holes are formed by performing drilling, thenthe surfaces of the third areas 122-113 remain coarse. In other words,the curved surfaces of the third areas 122-113 centered on the seconddirection are not steady with respect to the reference line parallel tothe second direction, and have different distances to the referenceline. Having coarse surfaces of the third areas 122-113 leads to anincrease in the surface area of the end-face through holes. That enablesreleasing the heat in a more efficient manner.

As explained above, the base 122-20 is a dielectric body that isconfigured to support the first conductor 122-31, the second conductor122-32, the third conductor 122-40, and the fourth conductor 122-50. Asillustrated in FIG. 124, a dielectric body has recesses which extend inthe second direction and are recessed toward the center in the firstdirection. The third areas 122-113 of the end-face through holes expandalong the recesses. Herein, the end-face thorough holes can be made bycutting circular through hole conductors, which are formed using, forexample, a drill, along the third direction. In the third surface andthe fourth surface, some portion of the base 122-20 is exposed to theexterior space.

Herein, FIG. 125 is an enlarged view of an area AO illustrated in FIG.124. As illustrated in FIG. 125, for example, a part of the dielectricbody includes a fiber component 122-20X that comes in contact with thefirst conductor or the second conductor (more particularly, with thethird areas 122-113). Of the third areas 122-113, in the portions comingin contact with the fiber component 122-20X, the surface of theconductor portion has asperity due to the asperity of the fibercomponent 122-20X. Of the third areas 122-113, in the portions coming incontact with the fiber component 122-20X, portions 122-113 a may bedeveloped to be more protruded than the surrounding portions. Of thethird areas 122-113, in the portions coming in contact with the fibercomponent 122-20X, portions may be developed to be more recessed thanthe surrounding portions. The dielectric body includes, for example, aplurality of resin layers (a first resin member 122-20Y and a secondresin member 122-43Y). At the interfaces of a plurality of resin layers,the dielectric body includes portions that are significantly recessedthan the surrounding portions. Herein, at the time of forming a throughhole conductor using a drill, in those portions of the third areas122-113 which come in contact with the interfaces of a plurality ofresin layers, portions 122-113 b may be developed in which the conductorportion extends along the recess of the interfaces of the resin layersand which have a greater surface area than the surrounding portions.Meanwhile, in the case of cutting the circular through hole conductorthat is formed, portions 122-113 c may be developed in which a part ofthe conductor in the third areas 122-113 extends along the cuttingdirection (for example, the positive y-axis direction) and protrudesinto the space of the through hole conductor. Because of the developmentof the portions 122-113 a, 122-113 b, and 122-113 c explained above,there is a further increase in the surface area of the end-face throughholes. That enables releasing the heat in a more efficient manner.

FIG. 126 is a perspective view of the resonator 122-10 illustrated inFIG. 122. In FIG. 126 are illustrated the second resist layer 122-44 band the first conductive layer 122-41 that expand along the firstsurface of the base 122-20. The second resist layer 122-44 b istransparent in nature, and the first conductive layer 122-41 isillustrated through the second resist layer 122-44 b. The second resistlayer 122-44 b covers almost entirely the surface of the firstconductive layer 122-41 on the positive side in the z direction.However, the second resist layer 122-44 b does not cover areas 122-114and 122-115 that include the cross-sectional surfaces of the edge-facethrough holes in the first conductive layer 122-41. That is, the secondresist layer 122-44 b extends on the first conductor 122-31 and thesecond conductor 122-32, excluding the areas 122-114 and 122-115.Herein, the areas 122-114 and 122-115 are a part of the third conductor122-40 and are exposed to the exterior space even when the resonator122-10 is mounted on the mounting board 100. Moreover, the areas 122-114and 122-115 are areas continuous to the third areas 122-113 (those areasof the first conductor 122-31 and the second conductor 122-32 which areexposed to the exterior space), and are connected to the groundconductor. That is, the first conductor 122-31, the second conductor122-32, and the third conductor 122-40 are at least partially exposed tothe exterior space. In the resonator 122-10, the ground conductor hasexposed portions on various surfaces (the first surface, the thirdsurface, and the fourth surface), and thus the ground conductor can bemade to function as a lightning rod against, for example, the staticelectricity coming from a human body or against the electrificationcharge of a constituent component. Particularly, as illustrated in FIG.126, the resonator 122-10 includes the conductor portions exposed to theexterior space at the corner at which the first surface and the thirdsurface intersect and at the corner at which the first surface and thefourth surface intersect. Since the exposed portions of the groundconductor are provided at the corners that are easily touchable by aperson, the static electricity from the human body can easily flow tothe ground conductor. Herein, in the areas of the fifth surface and thesixth surface of the resonator 122-10 positioned between the firstconductor 122-31 and the second conductor 122-32 in the first direction(the x direction), the third conductor 122-40 is not exposed to theexterior space. That is, the resonator 122-10 does not includeconductors such as end-face through holes on the fifth surface and thesixth surface. As explained earlier, from the third conductor 40, thez-x planes (the fifth surface and the sixth surface) at both ends in they direction of the resonator 10 are seen as magnetic conductors. In theresonator 122-10, since there are no conductors on the fifth surface andthe sixth surface, the magnetic field cannot be obstructed. As a result,in the resonator 122-10, the antenna characteristics can be enhanced.

Herein, the third conductor 40 includes a plurality of unit conductors.In the example illustrated in FIG. 126, a plurality of first floatingconductors 122-414 constituting the unit conductors is illustrated. Thefirst floating conductors 122-414 sandwich gaps 122-131 and 122-132therebetween. That is, the unit conductors face each other along thefirst direction. Moreover, the unit conductors face each other along thethird direction. The gap 122-131 is a gap formed along the thirddirection and in the central portion of the resonator 122-10 in thefirst direction. Because of the gap 122-131, the resonator 122-10 has anincreased flexibility thereby enabling alleviation of the stress appliedin the first direction. The gap 122-132 is a gap formed along the firstdirection and in the central part of the resonator 122-10 in the thirddirection. Because of the gap 122-132, the resonator 122-10 has anincreased flexibility thereby enabling alleviation of the stress appliedin the third direction.

Herein, the first constituting part 122-61 a of the first feeding line122-61 (hereinafter, also simply called the first constituting part122-61 a) is positioned on the inside of both ends of the fourthconductor 122-50 in the third direction. In the example illustrated inFIG. 123, the first constituting part 122-61 a extends in the firstdirection at a position different from the center in the thirddirection. More particularly, the first constituting part 122-61 a ofthe first feeding line 122-61 is positioned at the end portion in thethird direction (i.e., from among the positions of a plurality ofthrough holes, the end portion in the third direction). Herein, if theresonator 122-10 is resonating, an electric current flows in aconcentrated manner in the end portions (the surrounding part) of thefourth conductor 122-50. In the example illustrated in FIG. 123, thefirst constituting part 122-61 a extending along the first direction ispresent near the portion of the fourth conductor 122-50 in which theelectric current flows in a concentrated manner. The electric currentthat flows in the fourth conductor 122-50 in the resonating state flowsalong the first constituting part 122-61 a (i.e., flows near the firstconstituting part 122-61 a in the first direction in which the firstconstituting part 122-61 a extends). The first direction in which thefirst constituting part 122-61 a extends is the opposite direction toelectric conductors. Since the first constituting part 122-61 a extendsin the first direction, there is less impact of the flow of electriccurrent. As a result of having the first constituting part 122-61 a, thefourth conductor 122-50 has a different shape at the end portion in thenegative y direction than the shape at the end portion in the positive ydirection. Hence, the electric current flowing along the end portions ofthe fourth conductor 122-50 has different paths in the negative ydirection and the positive y direction. Because of such differences(asymmetry) in the paths of the electric current, the antenna bandwidthis expanded as compared to the case in which the paths of the electriccurrent are symmetric.

FIG. 127 is a diagram illustrating another example of the position ofthe first feeding line 122-61 in the resonator 122-10 illustrated inFIG. 122. As illustrated in FIG. 127, the first feeding line 122-61 canbe surrounded by the first areas 122-111. In other words, the resonator122-10 can include the first feeding line 122-61 that is connected tothe third conductor 122-40 and that is exposed from the first resistlayer 122-44 a in the area surrounded by the first areas 122-111. Atthat time, the first feeding line 122-61 is soldered to the mountingboard 122-100 more on the inside in the first and third directions.Hence, in the portions in which the first feeding line 122-61 issoldered, the intensity of the stress is further reduced and thereliability related to the mounting is further enhanced.

The configuration according to the present disclosure is not limited toembodiments described above, and it is possible to have a number ofmodifications and variations. For example, the functions included in theconstituent elements can be rearranged without causing any logicalcontradiction. Thus, a plurality of constituent elements can be combinedinto one constituent elements, or constituent elements can be divided.

In the present disclosure, the constituent elements corresponding toalready-illustrated constituent elements are referred to with commonreference numerals, along with prefixes indicating the respectivedrawing numbers. Even if a constituent element has a drawing numberassigned thereto as the prefix, it can still include the sameconfiguration as other constituent elements referred to by the samecommon reference numeral. In each constituent element, the configurationof other constituent elements referred to by the same common referencenumeral can be adapted as long as there is no logical contradiction. Ineach constituent element, two or more constituent elements referred toby the same common reference numeral can be partially or entirelycombined together. In the present disclosure, the prefix assigned to acommon reference numeral can be removed. In the present disclosure, theprefix assigned to a common reference numeral can be changed to anarbitrary number. In the present disclosure, the prefix assigned to acommon reference numeral can be changed to the same number as the numberof another constituent element referred to by the same common referencenumeral, as long as there is no logical contradiction.

The drawings used for explaining the configurations according to thepresent disclosure are schematic in nature. That is, the dimensions andthe proportions in the drawings do not necessarily match with the actualdimensions and proportions.

In the present disclosure, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, and soon are examples of identifiers meant to distinguish the configurationsfrom each other. In the present disclosure, regarding the configurationsdistinguished by the terms “first” and “second”, the respectiveidentifying numbers can be reciprocally exchanged. For example,regarding a first frequency and a second frequency, the identifiers“first” and “second” can be reciprocally exchanged. The exchange ofidentifiers is performed in a simultaneous manner. Even after theidentifiers are exchanged, the configurations remain distinguished fromeach other. Identifiers can be removed too. The configurations fromwhich the identifiers are removed are still distinguishable by thereference numerals. For example, the first conductor 31 can be referredto as the conductor 31. In the present disclosure, the terms “first”,“second”, and so on of the identifiers should not be used in theinterpretation of the ranking of the concerned configurations, or shouldnot be used as the basis for having identifiers with low numbers, orshould not be used as the basis for having identifiers with highnumbers. In the present disclosure, a configuration in which the secondconductive layer 42 includes the second unit slot 422 but in which thefirst conductive layer 41 does not include a first unit slot isincluded.

1. A structure comprising: a first conductor that extends in a seconddirection; a second conductor that faces the first conductor in a firstdirection and that extends along the second direction; a third conductorthat is configured to capacitively connect the first conductor and thesecond conductor; a fourth conductor that is configured to beelectrically connected to the first conductor and the second conductor,and that extends along a first plane; and a feeding line that isconnected to the third conductor, wherein the feeding line includes afirst constituting part that extends along the first direction, and asecond constituent part that extends along the second direction, and thefirst constituting part is positioned on an inside of both ends of thefourth conductor in a third direction.
 2. The structure according toclaim 1, wherein the first constituting part extends in the firstdirection at a position different from a center in the third direction.3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the first constitutingpart is positioned at an end portion in the third direction, and anelectric current that flows in the fourth conductor in a resonatingstate flows along the first constituting part.
 4. The structureaccording to claim 1, further comprising a mounting board that faces thefourth conductor with a distance therebetween, wherein the firstconstituting part faces the mounting board with a distance therebetween.5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the first constitutingpart includes a portion exposed to outside.
 6. An antenna comprising thestructure according to claim
 1. 7. A wireless communication modulecomprising: the antenna according to claim 6; and an RF module that isconfigured to be electrically connected to the antenna.
 8. A wirelesscommunication device comprising: the wireless communication moduleaccording to claim 7; and a battery that is configured to supplyelectric power to the wireless communication module.